David William Gross

David William Gross, 74, passed away Friday evening, October 19, 2018, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. He was born November 17, 1943, in Mansfield, Ohio, to the late William W. and Catherine F. (Young) Gross.

He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1961 and The Ohio State University, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. David returned to Mansfield Senior High School where he taught for 30 years. He was a high school English teacher and mentor to many students over the years. To some, he was like a second father, encouraging and guiding them through their high school years. While at Mansfield Senior High, he served as class advisor, key club advisor and staff advisor to the Manhigan yearbook. After his retirement, David began working at Barnes and Noble where he could share his love of literature.

David spent his summers at Lakeside, working as a financial officer and at the gate. Reading was his passion and he also enjoyed going to movies and playing cards. His family will continue David's love of decorating and celebrating for the holidays. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered in the hearts of his family, friends, coworkers and former students. His loving, caring nature and unique sense of humor will long be remembered by a host of family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Starnes Gross; five children, Jeff Gross, Jay Gross, Kara (Jesse) Adams, Kimberly (Sean) Nesser and Kevin (Elise) Gross; seven grandchildren, Jennica, Josie, J.D., Jaxson and Jaysen Adams and Makenna and Dawson Nesser; a sister, Pam (Larry) Armstrong; a brother-in-law, Dan (Sherry) Starnes; a sister-in-law, Shirley (Steve) Williams; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. at the Life Celebration Reception Center, 129 S. Main St., Mansfield, with Rector Emeritus David S. Sipes officiating. A gathering of family and friends will follow from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at the Life Celebration Reception Center. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church Food Pantry or the Mansfield Playhouse. The family would like to thank Dr. Kerry Hart, Dr. Dana Andrews and the entire staff at Winchester Terrace Nursing Home for their wonderful care given to David.

The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family.