Fred Gross, Former Trexlertown Fire Chief

Fred J. Gross, 77, of Breinigsville, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, July 28, 2011 at home.  He was the husband of Daris A. (Debus) Gross.  They were married 55 years last November.
 
Fred was an auto mechanic for Nothstein’s of Trexlertown 30 years before retiring in 1999.  Previously he was employed at the former Caloric Corp. in Topton.
 
Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late George and Martha A. E. (Brunner) Gross.
 
A life member of the Goodwill Fire Company, No. 1., Trexlertown, he was president from 1969 to 1980 and then fire chief from 1981 to 1982.  He faithfully served the company in numerous capacities since 1966 and also was a former trustee and board of governor.  Fred was also a social member of several fire companies in the area.
 
He was a member of the Seipstown Grange and a founding member and past president of the Mountaineers Camping Club.
 
He was a member Chestnut Hill Church, Coopersburg.
 
Survivors:  Wife Daris, Sons Larry D. and wife Roxane of Mertztown, Leroy S. and wife Nancy of Trexlertown, Daughters Linda C. wife of Gary Gorr, Lucy A. and her companion Robert Kline all of Breinigsville.  Brother Charles of Orefield, sisters, Joyce wife of Donald Wotring and Mabel Gross both of Germansville.  Grandchildren Joshua (Ashley), Jamie, Krystle, Scott (Ashley), Olivia (David), Cody and Sierra.  Great granddaughter Skyler.  He was predeceased by brothers Elwood, Francis, and Willard and sisters Arlene and Marie.
 
Services with full fireman’s honors are 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 1st, 2011 in the Schmoyer Funeral Home, 8926 Brookdale Rd., Breinigsville.  Call 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday and 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 am Monday in the funeral home.  www.schmoyerfuneralhome.com
 
Contributions in Fred’s memory may be made to the Goodwill Fire Co. P.O. 13, Trexlertown, 18087.