Earl Gross

Earl F. Gross, age 90, of Conneaut Lake, PA, was peacefully called home by the Lord on September 22, 2026. Since October 2025, he had been a resident of Andover Village Rehabilitation & Wellness in Andover, OH, where he received compassionate care and support during the later stages of his journey with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born on September 11, 1936, in Springdale, PA, the third son of Herman and Marie (Erl) Gross. The family soon made their home in nearby Tarentum, where their sons were raised with love, a foundation of faith in God, and just enough mischief to keep life interesting. In his early years, his family endured the loss of his oldest brother, Hermie—an absence that was felt throughout their lives and remained a meaningful part of his family’s story.

He attended The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, PA. In July 1959, he graduated with a degree in Advertising Illustration, adding formal training to the natural art talent he already seemed to have.

He was drafted into the United States Army and faithfully served his country in uniform from 1961 to 1963, dedicating 2 years, 2 months, and 22 days to that call. Much of his service was spent in Europe, where, during times of leave, he embraced the opportunity to travel and experience its beauty and history. Returning with a treasured collection of photographs, capturing not only the places he visited but also a season of life marked by duty, growth, and a hint of adventure.

After returning to the United States and civilian life, on July 18, 1964, he married Marlene Collins in Tarentum, PA where they were united in a beautiful Catholic wedding, beginning a lifelong journey of love and devotion. In 1970, they made their home in Conneaut Lake, where together they built a life with their four children centered on faith, family, and community. During those years, he dedicated himself to work at PPG Industries for 29 years, providing for his family while quietly shaping a home filled with care, commitment, and enduring values.

He was blessed with a remarkable artistic talent creating beautiful wildlife pieces across a variety of mediums, including glass etching, watercolor, and painting on diverse surfaces. His work can be admired as part of the mural he helped create alongside fellow artists on the exterior of the Conneaut Lake Area Historical Society building, leaving a lasting mark on the community. He also had a natural gift for working with his hands. There was little he couldn’t repair, and his workbench often held well-loved toys awaiting a second life. With patience and creativity, he found a way to make things whole again, believing that nothing should go to waste. Through his example, he taught others the value of caring for what they had—or finding a thoughtful, inventive way to restore it. His quick wit, gentle sarcasm, and playful teasing—rooted in a mischievous spirit he carried from childhood—brought laughter to those around him and kept everyone grounded in humility.

His best advice -“Keep your nose clean!”

He is survived by his wife of 62 years-Marlene; Children-Theresa, Brenda, Christine and Michael; Grandchildren-Christian, Kaitlyn, Nathan, Courtney, Riley, Cora and Aspen; Great-Grandchildren-Gregory, Zachary, Braden and Grace.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."— Matthew 5:4

He was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Marie; and brothers Herman, Raymond and David.

A survivor of quadruple heart bypass, colon cancer, and Parkinson’s disease in his later years, he faced life’s challenges with resilience and quiet determination. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, hospice, friends and church community, for their prayers, care and support during this time.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."— 2 Timothy 4:7

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to Hospice of Western Reserve/Reserve Care, Cleveland, OH —or, in his spirit, take a moment to fix something, lend a hand, or share a laugh with someone who needs it.

A private family memorial service is being planned.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Tedesco-Dickson Funeral Home and Crematory, 130 N. 2nd St., Conneaut Lake, PA 16316, Rocco R. Tedesco III, Supervisor.