Obituary of Edwin Gross JR

WESTFIELD - Edwin L. "Ed" Gross, Jr., age 59, of Lake Avenue, Brocton, formerly of Westfield, died Monday, May 3, 2010 at the VAMC-Buffalo, in Buffalo, NY with family at his side. Mr. Gross was on born July 8, 1950 in Westfield, NY the son of Edwin L. Sr. and Stella (Parker) Gross, of Westfield. A Westfield area resident for most of his life, Ed was a 1968 graduate of WACS and a veteran of the United States Army. He later received an Associate's Degree from JCC in Liberal Arts and Humanities. Ed had operated his own grape farm for several years and worked locally as a finish carpenter before becoming the proprietor of Professional Carpentry and Construction. Ed was a gifted carpenter who worked tirelessly until his illness prevented him from doing so. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, spending time in the outdoors and with family and friends. Ed was also a talented photographer who had several items published in popular motorcylce magazines. As an active member of the motorcycling community, Ed worked to organize the Southwestern NY chapter of A.B.A.T.E and later served as State Coordinator for the same organization. He was a member of the Westfield Fish and Game Club and several local Veterans' organizations. Besides his parents of Westfield, Ed is survived by his son, Brian (Deborah) D. Gross of Westfield, his sister: Susan (Robert) Johannes of North East, PA and his two brothers: Grant "Bill" (Pamela) Gross of Westfield and Thomas (Suzanne) Gross of Mayville. Ed was also the proud Grandfather of Marina L. Arnold also of Westfield. He is further survived by his companion, Aurelia Taylor of Brocton, NY, as well as a niece and several nephews. Friends may call on Saturday from 11AM until 2 PM at the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton Street, Westfield, where the funeral will be held on Saturday at 2:00 PM with Rev. Matthew Golibersuch officiating. A gathering in celebration of Ed's life will be held immediately after the service at the Westfield Firemen's Exempt Hall, 75 Bourne St., Westfield. Burial will be private. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to The John Kanzius Cancer Research Project, 1001 State Street, Erie, PA, 16501. Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send Ed's family a message of sympathy.