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."