Daniel Ely Gross, 36, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Dec. 1. His spirit and legacy will live forever in those at the center of his world, wife Andrea (Ankeles) Gross and the joy of his life, son Carson, 2.

Dan lived for his family, believing “it was the little things he shared with them that made him realize how great life was.” He possessed a rare commitment to his professional career, but his true devotion was to his family to whom he dedicated his time, boundless energy and unconditional love.

Dan was raised in North Lima, Ohio and attended South Range High School excelling in track and field. To date he still holds the school record in the high hurdles at 15.1 seconds; and throughout his high school career he achieved county and inter-county league record-setting times in both 110 and hurdles.A two-sport athlete, he also played football for the Raiders as both defensive back and wide receiver. Dan was honored to be inducted into the SRHS Hall of Fame in 1997.

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Turf Grass Science at Penn State University, Dan reached so many of his goals in the years that followed. He was currently working as superintendent at the Salem Golf Club, his second home, and was a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), the Ohio Turf Foundation, and the Northern Ohio Golf Course Superintendents’ Association (NOGSA), serving as trustee since 2007.

To know Dan was to love him. His unwavering faith, courage of conviction and impeccable character made him a model for family, friends and colleagues alike. In addition to Andrea and Carson, missing him always are his mother, Sharon (Dan) Gross-Sparks; father David (Sally) Gross Sr.; brother David (Kate) Gross Jr.; grandmother Marjorie Ely; in-laws; and nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly but will be raised to know their cherished uncle in his absence. Dan was preceded in death by his beloved grandfather Charles Ely, and grandparents Walter and Virginia Gross.

Calling hours will be Sunday, Dec. 6 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Rossi Bothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman, and a funeral Mass will be celebrated at Dan’s church home, St. Joseph the Provider in Campbell Monday morning at 10 a.m. preceded by prayers 9 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to an education fund, payable in the name of Dan’s son, Carson Gross, at any area Home Savings & Loan location.

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