Chester L Gross (1916-1997)

Chester is my second cousin three-times removed.

Former Mayor Chester L. Gross, 81, described as such by a close friend, passed Wednesday after years of scholastic, political, community, and volunteer contributions. "In my 40 years in there community, if there was ever a 'Mr. Stroudsburg', he's it," said Karl Dickl, longtime friend of Gross. Dickl served with Gross on the borough council from 1979-1987. "He loved this town so much."

Born and raised in the borough, Gross attended Stroudsburg High School Class of 1936 and distinguished himself as one of the original "five Ironmen" of the 1935 Lehigh valley League championship basketball team. His photograph graces the Stroudsburg High School lobby.

He had been employed at the McGraw Edison Co., formerly Line Material of East Stroudsburg, for 50 years, retiring in 1981. he was treaturer of the mechanics union at the company of many years.

Gross became active as a volunteer firefighter for the Stroudsburg First Department Chemical Co. #1 and remained on duty for at least 50 years. He served on the borough council from 1972 to 1980 and was President of the Council for 4 years. He was mayor for three terms from 1980 to 1992.

"During a very difficult time in the borough, he was loyal, helpful and honest," Swetz said. Dickl said many people who know Gross only as the mayor should also know the dedication and spirit he showed toward his community, youth and sports.

Gross was a member of the Varsity S Club and served as a referee for basketball and football games. He managed Stroudsburg Little League for many years and made himself a familiar face in the stands of games, cheering on his alma mater.

As an outgoing mayor, Gross gave some advice to the incoming mayor and said, "be available to the people and listen to the people because you're a servant of the people. That's your job, to try to be as helpful as you can."

Dickl said Gross has definitely left his mark on the borough of this birth. "At times as mayor he was judged and criticized. but there will never be another 'Mr. Stroudsburg' like Mr. Gross," Dickl said. "Never."

Rev. Luther P Gross (1843-1934)

Luther is my third great-grandfather.

The Rev. Luther Peter Gross had been seriously ill for several weeks and his death was attributed to the infirmities of old age. Realizing that his death was not far distant Mr. Gross had prepared his own obituary and made plans for many of the details of his funeral. In writing his obituary he states that:

“The Rev. Luther Peter Gross, son of Peter Gross and wife Judith was born Nov. 24, 1843, at Nazareth, Pa. Early in his youth he felt the call to the ministry and after a thorough catechetical instruction he was received and confirmed by the Rev. A. Fuchs into the Lutheran church, Dec. 12, 1853. Upon receiving a common school education he was preparing himself to enter college, but the Civil War interfered with his calculations. On February 17, 1866, he was married to Miss Louisa Moyer, daughter of Peter and Catherine Moyer. He taught school for a number of years, reading and studying meanwhile under the Revs. Ernest Reinecke, D. D., and Daniel F. Brendle, D. D.

“In 1833 he entered Heidelberg Theological Seminary and was graduated in 1885 and was received and ordained in the Ohio Synod the same year. He received a unanimous call from the Kentland Mission of Indiana where he labored successfully for three years. Receiving a call from the Canaon charge, in Wayne County, he labored there three years and the merge the Wanco charge of four congregations in Wanco, for three years.

“Long drives and exposure caused his throat to fail him, and upon the advice of doctors he relinquished the pulpit. Later he supplied a congregation near Fostoria for one year.”

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