David Leslie Gross, devoted husband, father, Pop Pop and friend to many, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in the home he built with his own hands. Born on March 1, 1954, in the Detroit area, a son of the late Dolly Marie (Goble) Wesson and Norman Leslie Gross. David cherished his early years in Michigan, where he developed a deep loyalty to his sports teams, including the Tigers, Lions, and Red Wings.
David’s family moved to Delmar in his youth, and he graduated from Delmar High School with the Class of ‘72. A talented carpenter and builder, David had a remarkable ability to build anything. His craftsmanship not only provided for his family but also created countless cherished memories within the spaces he designed. David worked many years in the construction industry for various companies, Iron Works, Duke’s Lumber and Dashiell’s being some of them. His fingerprints are all over many of the condos in Ocean City which he helped with during the early growth years. In his later years, he worked in maintenance for the South Coastal Regional Wastewater Facility in Georgetown, where he considered his co-workers his extended family.
David was a gifted and talented musician who loved playing harmonica and singing lead vocals for his Southern Rock band for many years. In his free time, he loved being outdoors, surf fishing, the beach and golf, which are passions he shared with his family. Playing softball in the church leagues was always a favorite of his. David has a huge space in his heart for all animals, and especially his beloved dog, “Birdie,” who stayed beside him until the end.
David is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Ann (Cordrey) Gross, who he married Feb. 28, 1971; their three children, Mandy Kitchen and companion, Scott of Delmar, Nikki Austin and husband, Dwayne of Ocean City and Kyle Gross and wife, Beth of Ellendale; step-daughter Cindy Urquhart and husband, Kenneth; grandchildren, Justin, Natalie and fiancé, Xander, Jakob, Tyler and wife, Shelly, Amber and husband, Tyler, Isaac and fiancée, Avery, Sailor, Krew, Chastity and husband, Jason, Kelsey and husband, Dylan and Lizzy and husband, Parker; great-grandchildren, Colt, Cora, Drake, Riley, Emberly, Landon, Stella, Mabel and Mavis; brother, Randy Webb of Kentucky; sister, Kim Forse and husband, Greg of Delmar; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Danny Gross.
A celebration of David’s life will be held on Friday, Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, where a visitation for family and friends will be held from 1 to 2. Pastor Lisa Hines will officiate.
Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.