Edward "Jim" Gross

Edward “Jim” Gross, 94, of Vermilion, passed away Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Kingston Residence of Vermilion following a lengthy illness.

He was born August 22, 1932, in Lorain and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 34 years, moving there from Lorain.

Jim proudly served in the United States Navy, where he was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas.

He began his career at American Shipbuilding Company before managing Modern Hardware in Sheffield. In 1956, he founded Gross Hardware in Lorain, Ohio. The business later expanded into Gross Plumbing and Electric Company in Lorain, providing both new installation and repair services. In 1964, the company made the decision to specialize in plumbing and hydronic heating, leading to the formation of Gross Plumbing, Inc. Following the division, the company quickly grew into one of the area's leading mechanical contractors.

A dedicated supporter of his community, Jim was a longtime advocate for the Salvation Army and Goodwill, serving on the boards of both organizations. He was recently recognized as the longest-standing member of the Lorain Rotary Club, where he was also honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. His many years of community service were further recognized when he was named Hungarian of the Year by the Hungarian Reformed Church.

Jim enjoyed a life filled with family, friends, and favorite pastimes. He cherished boating, summer trips to Pelee Island, and fishing, both deep-sea and on Lake Erie. In his later years, he enjoyed scenic drives to Amish Country and shopping for fresh produce, which he generously shared with local food banks and family members. He also loved watching boats travel up and down the Vermilion River and, most of all, spending time with his family.

He is survived by his sons, Daniel (Janet) Gross of Amherst, Guy (Donna Dobos) Gross of Wakeman, Gary (Lori) Gross of Vermilion, and William “Bill” (Denise) Gross of Vermilion; and his daughters, Debra Levit of Vermilion, Martha (Jim) Taylor of Amherst, Beverly Minnich (Jim Zvosecz) of Amherst, and Pamela Pierce of Vermilion.

Jim also leaves behind his grandchildren, Dan Jr. (Azur), Bobby (Hadley), Holly (Jeff), Doug (Sara), Matt, Erica (Brendan), Joe (Erika), Kelly, Jenni (Ryan), Kyle (Wesley), Randi (Lee), Jimmy (Jessica), Ashley (Jay), Nicole (Tom), Meghan, Kristy, and Stephen (Blaine); and his great-grandchildren, Ben, Reid, Garrett, Sophia, Simmons, Aiden, Meriah, Brooke, Lucas, Willow, Pierce, Remy, Skyler, Naomi, Jacob, Aubri, Jude, Lake, Maddison, Thomas, Nicholas, Nolan, Adalynn, and Caleb. He is also survived by his brother, Robert J. (Hazel) Gross of Lorain, and his sister, Joan “Dolly” Waldman of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Ann (née Burke) Gross, in 2025; his parents, Ben and Martha (née Klein) Gross; his son-in-law, Neil Levit; his granddaughter, Jill Gross; and his sisters, Annie Gross, Lillian Leiberman, and Geraldine Legow.

Private family services will be held, with inurnment at Ridge Hill Memorial Park.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Salvation Army of Vermilion, 4560 Liberty Ave., Vermilion, OH 44089.

Online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.