“Gone from our sight. Forever in our hearts.”
VENICE, FLORIDA- Manfred K. Gross, age 88, of Venice, Florida, passed away peacefully, with his daughter at his side, holding his hand, on the morning of Monday, January 15, 2024 at Harbor Point at Centerville in Barnstable, MA. All his family were able to gratefully surround him saying their goodbyes and reminding him how much he was loved. He was the devoted and loving husband to the late Helga A. (Frantetzki) Gross, who passed away on February 21, 2017.
Born in Dresden, Germany, Manfred was the only child born to the late Willy and Dorle (Pietsch) Gross. He was raised in Germany, and as a child he grew up and experienced the events that took place during World War Two. At the age of 20, Manfred received his sponsorship to immigrate to the United States to Brockton, MA, where he was soon joined by his wife and daughter.
Like many young men who grew up in Germany, rather than receiving a formal education, Manfred received training in learning a trade. When he first settled in the US, he was one of the first six employees, who worked as a Machinist at FH Peterson Machine Corporation. He furthered his career as a Tool and Die Mold Maker at Polaroid Corporation within the Research and Development Department for 20 years, retiring at the age of 59. He then formed the PZG Molds Company with two of his friends and continued highly customized specialized work for many years.
He was a “Snow Bird” with a condo in Florida and moved there with his wife permanently in 2013 after living in Whitman, MA for over 30 years . In his early years, Manfred was in a bowling league. He also enjoyed viewing sports on TV, including soccer, golf, and tennis. Manfred also loved traveling, dancing with his wife, and music from the 1950’s.
Manfred is survived by his daughter: Petra Luddy of Harwich, MA, Cape Cod; his son Andreas Gross and his wife Donna of Taunton, MA; his three granddaughters Katrina Luddy of Harwich, MA, Leandra Eddy and her husband Shaun of Rehoboth, MA and Brittany Nickerson and her husband Chase of Norton, MA; his five great-grandchildren: Noah, Savannah, Teigan, Levi, and Elliana; and extended family members and friends.
Memorial Visiting Hours will be held on Saturday, February 3 , from 2 pm to 3 pm followed by a Funeral Service at 3pm in the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway (at Saint Mary’s Square) in Taunton. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Manfred’s name may be made to the Alzheimer's Association directly at: https://www.alz.org/?form=FUNSETYDEFK
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