Patrick D. Gross

Patrick was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 22, 1941, the middle child of Patrick J. Gross and Francis Carroll Gross. Patrick entered the United States Air Force shortly after graduating high school in 1959 at the age of 17. Patrick completed his basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas and then reassigned to Chanute AFB in Illinois, Elmendorf AFB in Alaska, with his final assignment at Clinton-Sherman AFB in Oklahoma. While on leave and back in Chicago, he received a Western Union Telegraph requesting his immediate return to Clinton-Sherman AFB because of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Patrick was honorably discharge from active duty in July 1963.

Shortly after discharging from the Air Force, Patrick returned to Chicago and began his life-long career in aviation. Patrick started his career with Eastern Air Lines at Chicago’s Midway Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare airport. After many years in Chicago, Patrick transferred happily to the “Sunshine State of Florida” to Tampa International Airport. When Eastern Air Line ceased operation in 1991, Patrick went on to finish his aviation career with Gulf Stream International Airlines also in Tampa until his retirement in 2005.

In addition to his passion for the military and aviation, Patrick was an avid runner, logging hundreds of miles through the streets of Safety Harbor and Westchase. Patrick completed many 5k and 10k races through the years including ‘The West Chase’ and ‘Gasparilla’. Later, he became known throughout his neighborhood in Westchase as “The Walker”.

Patrick is proceeded in death by his parents, Patrick J. Gross and Francis Carroll Gross, and nephews Michael Gross and Timothy Gross.

Those left to cherish Patrick’s memory include: his devoted wife Lorrie Gross, Children: Patrick Gross and Sandra Callihan, Grandchildren: Alexandra Gross-Gavin (Terry Gavin) and Megan Gross (Robert Ressegiue), Spencer Callihan (Brittany Harris) and Cameron Callihan (Jenna Hill) and Great Grandson: Terrence Patrick Gavin. Sister: Arlene Black, Bother: Jack Gross (Judy) Nieces/Nephews: Kathleen Wolter (Steve), Joan Pusatera (John), Ronald Black, Michael Poremba (Tracee), Michelle Mack, John Gross (Ann), and David Gross.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciate for the loving care and support to TLC Adult Day Care in Oldsmar, Florida, Care Placement Home Health Agency, and Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough.

In Lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be sent TLC Adult Day Care: 3970 Tampa Road Suite J, Oldsmar, Florida 34677 in Patrick’s memory

A visitation for Patrick will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Blount and Curry Funeral Home Oldsmar We, 6802 Silvermill Drive, Tampa, FL 33635. A funeral mass will occur Friday, May 2, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, 2405 Philippe Pkwy, Safety Harbor, FL 34695. A graveside service will occur Friday, May 2, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513.