Obituary of S. Richard Gross

S. RICHARD GROSS JUNE 19, 1932 - JULY 30, 2012 S. Richard Gross, prominent attorney and life-long area resident, died Monday, July 30, 2012, at Orange Regional Medical Center, receiving love and comfort from his wife and children at his bedside. Richard was born in Liberty, the son of the late Grace and Emanuel Gross, and was the third generation of the family to reside in the Liberty area. Richard graduated from Liberty High School. Following that, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University and a Doctorate in Jurisprudence from Cornell University Law School. He joined the law practice of his father, Emanuel Gross, in 1957 and practiced law continuously for the past 55 years. He was the oldest practicing attorney in Sullivan County and was known throughout the county and beyond for his competence and compassion but above all for his honesty, dignity and integrity. In addition to his private practice, Richard served for many years as attorney for the Village of Liberty, as an assistant county attorney for Social Services and as the attorney for the Liberty Central School District. His law practice was more than a way to make a living - it was a calling. He never spoke of retiring because he enjoyed what he did - helping others with their problems. Richard was also generous with his time to individuals and organizations. He was a past president of the Sullivan County Bar Association and also served on various committees of that organization. He was the Chancellor Commander of the Knights of Pythias, a long-time Democratic Committee member of Liberty and Board Member of the Nava-Len District of the Boy Scouts. He was a member of Congregation of Ahavath Israel and the Liberty Elk Club for over 50 years, a long-time member of the Liberty Rotary Club, and a member of the Liberty Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce. Richard was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, providing unconditional love and support to all. His loving spirit, generosity, and wise counsel enriched the lives of many. He never asked or wanted things for himself but to his family he never said no and nothing was too much effort for him to do. His only fault is that he left us too soon. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rita Davis Gross; son, David Gross, of Liberty, New York; son, Robert Gross and wife, Cindy Gross, of Yorktown Heights, New York; daughter, Amy Gross Hymanson and husband, Gerald Hymanson, of Morganville, New Jersey; grandchildren, Stephanie Gross, Michele Gross, Samantha Hymanson and Evan Hymanson; brother, Meyer Gross and wife, Karen Gross, of New York City, New York; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Theodore and Marcia Davis, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 3, 2012 at Congregation Ahavath Israel, 39 Chestnut Street, Liberty, New York. Internment will follow at Congregation Ahavath Israel Cemetery, Hysana Road, Liberty, New York. Memorial donations may be made to Congregation Ahavath Israel, 39 Chestnut Street, Liberty, New York. Funeral services are under the direction of the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home, Monticello, New York.