Wayne J. Gross

Wayne J. Gross

DOVER – Wayne J. Gross, 92, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Cross Keys Village – The Brethren Home Community in New Oxford. He was the devoted husband of the late Ladora S. “Dodie” Gross, who passed away on April 16, 2026. Together, they shared nearly 72 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and service to others.

Born on March 28, 1934, in York, Wayne was the son of the late Chauncy M. and Mary (Detter) Gross.

Wayne graduated from Dover High School and later earned an Associate’s Degree from Penn State University. He proudly owned and operated C.M. Gross & Sons, continuing a family tradition of dedication and craftsmanship.

A lifelong member of Dover U.C.C., Wayne was deeply involved in his community. He was a dedicated member of the Dover Lions Club, where his years of service and commitment to helping others were recognized with the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest form of recognition within Lions Clubs International. He was also a member of Zeredatha–White Rose Lodge No. 451 F&AM in York, Tall Cedars of Lebanon and the Zembo Shriners.

Wayne found great joy in working outdoors and took tremendous pride in tending his garden each year. Gardening was more than a hobby—it was one of the many ways Wayne expressed his generosity, sharing the fruits of his labor with those he loved.

Wayne is survived by four sons: Daniel W. Gross and his wife, Debra, of Dover; Michael D. Gross and his wife, Kathy, of Hanover; Theodore J. Gross and his wife, Lynne, of Hayes, Virginia; and Matthew M. Gross and his wife, Joann, of Malverne, New York. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of immense pride and joy.

In addition to his beloved wife and parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Gross, and four sisters, Lorraine Bitting, Ruthanna Myers, Geraldine Easter, and Jeanne Stouch.

Following cremation, relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a service celebrating Wayne’s life at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Dover U.C.C., 45 W. Canal Street, Dover, followed by a luncheon at the church. Burial will take place privately at Salem Union Cemetery, Dover. Pastor Cam Richesson will officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Emig Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., Dover.

Those wishing to express their sympathy may consider a memorial contribution to VNA Hospice of Hanover & Spring Grove, 440 Madison St., Hanover, PA 17331.

To share memories of Wayne and condolences with his family, please visit www.emigfuneralhome.com

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