Abraham Gross

Madison - Abraham G. Gross Sr, age 88, passed away on July 2, 2013 at Trinity Senior Homes in Madison. He was born on November 28, 1924 in Longview, Texas to the parentage of the late Joseph Gross and the late Ruby (Allen) Gross. In 1942, Abraham graduated from Longview Colored High School in Longview, Texas. Abraham proudly served in the United States Air Force for 20 years (1943-1963). During his early years in the Air Force, Abraham went to Radio Operator School at Peterson Field, CO. At that time he was the first and only African-American private in the school. He graduated with the highest code speed of any private. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He served as a Radio Operator in combat missions from August 4, 1950 to November 20, 1950. Military metals include the Air Medal, Air Force Commendation, Good Conduct, American Defense Service, WWII Victory, National Defense, Korean Service, Air Force Longevity and UN Service. He graduated with an associate degree from the Wisconsin School of Electronics. Abraham was a resident in the great state of Wisconsin for four decades. Several of his contributions as a Wisconsin resident included working several jobs, most notably at the telephone company and the Gordon Flesch Company. In the late 1960's, he taught electronics at the South Madison Neighborhood Center. Abraham married Eunice (French) Gross, to this union two children were born, Abraham Gross Jr. and Victor Gross Sr. Later he then married Valice (Payton) Gross, to this union one child was born, Vincent Gross.
Abraham will be deeply missed by his three sons, Abraham Gross Jr. of St. Louis, MO, Victor Gross Sr. of Raytown, MO, and Vincent Gross of Madison, WI; former wife, Valice Gross of Madison, WI; sister, Betty (Verdis) Haynes of Huntsville, TX; 8 grandchildren. He is also survived by a host of great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and many other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his step father Robert Griffin; his first wife Eunice Gross; two sisters, Mary Gross and Charlene Gross and a brother Albert Mac Gross.
Funeral services will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison, on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 11:00 am. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:00 am until the time of services. Graveside services with military rites will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
3325 E. Washington Ave.
(608) 249-6666
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