Obituary of Eugene M. Gross

Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Eugene Gross, 89, passed away peacefully at home with loved ones by his side. He was born on October 13, 1929 in Toppenish, Washington to Christ and Regina Gross and was one of nine children. He met his true love, Mary Etta Neely in 1947 when visiting his sister in Dallas, Texas. They fell in love and were married on February 6, 1948. It was a marriage that lasted for over 69 years. In Dallas the first of his two children were born, Mary Jean (Jeanne) and Randy. After relocating to Stockton, California, the next three of his children were born, Russell, Chris and Ann.

In 1966, the entire family relocated to Santa Cruz as Gene took a position with Albertsons as their meat manager. In 1971, Gene and Mary purchased Soquel Meats which they successfully operated until their retirement in 1997. Upon retirement and not wanting to pay the state of California any more taxes, they moved to Reno, Nevada in which they spent 20 happy years before returning back to their Santa Cruz home to be closer to family.

Gene was a devout Catholic. He loved his wife and family always putting them first. Blessed with a great sense of humor, he enjoyed watching his sons and grandsons play sports, playing Santa at Christmas, the horse races and working in his yard. He was a true family Patriarch and will be sadly missed by us all.

Eugene is survived by his daughter Jeanne and son-in-law James Berchem, son Randall Gross, son Russell and daughter-in-law Jill Gross, daughter Ann and son-in-law Dave Scott, his grandchildren Chris, Jon, Justin, Amber, Trent and Jack and his great grandchildren Brooke, Cassidy, Joey and Kanvas. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Etta, his son Christopher, his parents Christ and Regina along with his 7 brothers and one sister.

We would like to especially thank our caregivers, Claudia, Rocio and Gloria for their amazing love, devotion and exceptional care extended to our family. In lieu of flowers, any contributions can be made to Holy Cross School.

Family and friends may pay their respects at a visitation to be held on Thursday December 13, 2018 beginning at 5:00 pm at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel 1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA. A vigil and recitation of the rosary will begin at 7:00 pm at the chapel. Funeral services will be held at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel on Friday December 14, 2018 at 10:00 am. A private committal will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.