Walter Edward Gross, Jr.

Walter E. Gross, Jr. , 85, of Aberdeen, Maryland passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at Citizens Care Center in Havre de Grace, MD. Son of the late Walter E. Gross, Sr. and Alberta Parks Gross, he was a native of Harford County, where he lived his entire life. He married Thelma Simmons on June 24, 1950 and was happily married for 61 years. He was a graduate of University of Maryland and served briefly in the military. He then had a short teaching career at Dublin School and Bel Air High School, before embarking on what would be his true career in government service at Aberdeen Proving Grounds as an operations research analyst. A lover of language, he was known for his wit and poetry which he reserved for special events in the lives of family and friends. He was well read, enjoyed crossword puzzles, bowling, golf, and traveling in the United States, England, Ireland, and Spain with his wife and friends. In his later years, he performed in community theater, appearing in "On Golden Pond" and "Oliver". He was devoted to his family, the beloved "Poppop" to his 4 grandchildren, He was also devoted to his church where he served as lay reader, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, church council president, and sang in the choir. He is survived by his wife, Thelma; daughter, Cynthia Ogle and husband, Gary; grandchildren, Matthew Ogle and wife Katie, Derek Ogle, Chad Ogle and wife Molly, and Katie Ogle Frank and husband Dominic; great-granddaughter, Alyssa Ogle; sister Ruth Gross Sutherland, and brothers John Gross and Leroy Gross. He is pre-deceased by his brother Earl Gross. Pallbearers were Matthew Neil Ogle, Derek Blake Ogle, Chad Alexander Ogle, Dominic Joseph Frank, Walter Clifford, and James Gosweiler. Those who desire may make contributions to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 201 Mt. Royal Ave., Aberdeen, Maryland 21001, in lieu of flowers. Funeral Home: Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home 333 South Parke Street Aberdeen, MD US 21001