Thomas R. Gross

Thomas R. Gross, age 83, of Columbus, died January 11, at Mt. Carmel West Hospital, after a short battle with cancer. Preceded in death by parents Walter L. and Nell R. Gross, daughter-in-law Mary B. Gross, and brother Walter L. Gross Jr. Survived by his wife Nancy J., sons Thomas R. Jr. (Sarah), David (Mindy), and Michael (Andrea), grandchildren Philip, Marjorie, Catherine, William, Megan, Georgia, and Margo Gross; sister Patricia (Calvin) Linnemann, of Cincinnati, OH; numerous nieces and nephews. Graduate of Cincinnati Country Day School and Yale University where he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Retired after 60 years as a second-generation owner and principal of G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers, Inc. A recipient of the Donald M. Kendall Pepsi Bottler of the Year Award in 1998 during PepsiCo’s 100th anniversary. Former member of Pepsi Cola Bottlers Assn. and the Ohio Soft Drink Assn. Former board member of Bank One Columbus. Member of Scioto Country Club, the Columbus Club, and long-time supporter and member of the German Village Society. Former member of numerous other social clubs. Avid sailor, pilot, golfer, cyclist, reader, cook, painter, fisherman (including fly tying for Orvis), bowler, and player of numerous racquet sports. He loved Sudoku, playing cards, and riding his Harleys. Family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8pm, Thursday, January 17, at the Schoedinger Midtown Chapel, 229 East State St. Private funeral service at a later date. Entombment at St. Joseph Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the St. Mary Catholic Church Restoration Fund, 684 S. Third St., Columbus, OH 43206, or the Friends of the Topiary Park of Columbus, 480 E. Town St, Columbus, OH 43215, or the German Village Society, 588 S. Third St. Columbus, OH 43215, in his memory.