Penobscot – Ralph Edward Gross Sr., 87, died Aug. 19 at the Penobscot Nursing Home after a short illness with prostate cancer.

He was born Jan. 30, 1920, in Castine, the son of John and Lora (Hutchins) Gross. He graduated from Clark High School in the class of 1937. Ralph married Marie Babbidge of Brooksville on Oct. 1, 1938; Marie died June 18, 1981.

Ralph was self-employed all his life. He served as road commissioner for the town of Penobscot for decades. He was a founding member and the first assistant chief of the Penobscot Volunteer Fire Department. Ralph was a 50-year member and past master of Rising Star Lodge of Masons 177 AF and AM. He was a member and former board of trustee member of the Penobscot United Methodist Church.

He is survived by three sons, Ralph Gross Jr. and wife, Lois, of Penobscot, Richard Gross and wife, Yvonne, of Turner, and James Gross Sr. and wife, Jeanne, of Penobscot; eight grandchildren, Eleanor Collinsworth of Brockport, N.Y., Steven Gross of East Millinocket, Carolyn Gross of Limerick, Geoffrey Gross of Greene, Yvette Bates of Turner, James Gross Jr. of Penobscot, Jayne Gross of Bangor and June Gross of Sedgwick; six great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife; two sisters; and two brothers.

Ralph’s family wishes to thank the caregivers of Hospice of Hancock County and the employees of the Penobscot Nursing Home for the loving care they have provided to our father.