William Joseph Gross

William Joseph Gross passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Born in Pittston, PA, he was the son of the late Bill and Gladys (Vogel) Gross.

He was a graduate of Pittson Area High School in PA and Rowan Technical Institute, Salisbury, NC where he earned an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Safety and Engineering.

Bill was employed with the District of Columbia Fire Department for nearly 30 years. First assigned Sept. 1, 1974, to Engine 31, he was promoted through the ranks to Captain, retiring Dec. 13, 2003 from the Administrative Division. During his career, he was awarded a silver medal and two bronze bars for valor. He was a member of the District of Columbia Retired Fire Fighters Association and the International Association of Fire Fighters, Washington, DC, Local 36.

He loved watching his sons play baseball in their youth, coaching them and for a time served as treasurer of the Frederick Hustler Baseball Organization. In his later years, when able, he loved watching his grandsons play sports, liked listening to podcasts, watching old westerns and professional baseball games on television.

Bill is survived by Sue, his wife of nearly 50 years (July); sons, Billy and wife, Katie, of New Market, Wesley and wife, Brittany, of Frederick; grandsons, Brayden, Cameron and Brooks; sister, Barbara Jackson, of Little River, SC; sisters-in-law, Ellie (Jack Kuligowski), Patty (Mike Lizonitz), Mary Lou (George Wascavich), Melanie (Ron Berlinski); and other extended family members.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday with Rev. Tim May officiating. Graveside service and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland at beaglemaryland.org.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.