Irvin J. Gross

Irvin Jerold Gross (Jerry), 84

Born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1940, Jerry passed away peacefully at home in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday, September 7.

Jerry was the son of William Gross and Hortense Watskey. He graduated in 1959 from Douglas Southall Freeman High School and went on to earn his business degree from the University of Georgia, where he became a lifelong fan of Bulldog football. Fittingly, on the day of his passing, UGA clobbered their football opponent, a victory that would have made him extremely happy. Immediately after college, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Jerry’s family was the center of his world. He is survived by brothers, Kenneth Phillip Gross (Patricia), Michael (Rusty) J. Gross, and his loving wife of 50 years, Sally Wade Gross. In addition, he leaves behind his children: Traci Shuster, Kathi Newman, and Andy Gross (Abigail) from his marriage to Sue Arenstein; and Mary Taylor (Brian) and Franklin Gross from his marriage to Sally. His ten grandchildren—Emerson, Aidan, Alexa, and Eric Shuster; Ella, Maryn, and Benjamin Newman; Hannah, Charis, and Elijah Taylor—were his pride and joy. No conversation with Jerry went by without him mentioning them, and he treasured every moment spent with family, especially at their cabin, the Boxed Inn, in Waynesville, North Carolina.

Jerry’s professional career began with BEST Products in Richmond, Virginia, a path that led him to Texas and eventually to South Florida. Later, alongside his wife Sally, he opened and operated Boca Box Company, a retail packaging business, for 16 years.

Outside of work, Jerry enjoyed garage sales and flea markets - and was always on the hunt for hidden treasures or a good bargain. He amassed an impressive DVD collection and, when not following the stock market, enjoyed watching his favorite films on repeat.

Jerry will be deeply missed by family and friends.