Max B. Gross, 89 years young, passed away on January 15, 2022. (B is for BEAUTIFUL!) He received a commission in the United States Air Force through the Aviation Cadet Program in 1955. He was an aircraft Navigator prior to attending Pilot's training in 1959 and being awarded his Pilot's wings and assigned to fly B-47 Stratojet strategic bombers. In 1963 he was transferred to B-52s, Stratofortress strategic bomber where he became an aircraft commander. Max served in several other capacities while completing a career in the Air Force including a one-year tour in Thailand during the Vietnam war, retiring from the Air Force in January 1974. Max returned to college after the Air Force and completed his bachelor's and master's degrees from University of Central Florida and became a broker at Merrill Lynch.
Max loved the water and being out on his boat fishing, whether the fish were biting or not. A lifelong Duke Blue Devils and Green Bay Packers fan, he was able to attend two Packers games, one with his son David and one with his granddaughter Emma.
Max was deeply involved in Rotary International for many years and served a term as President of his local chapter. He mentored young people in Junior and Senior High schools through his work in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) and Interact Club helping develop leadership skills. Max also volunteered many years with the Merritt Island High School Mustang Band.
Max volunteered time with Space Coast Honor Flight which provides luncheons for veterans to gather and trips for World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam Veterans to visit their War Memorials in Washington D.C. As an Air Force veteran, Max was honored to be part of a group of veterans attending an Honor Flight trip to Washington D.C. with his son as an escort. Max was a proud American and Air Force veteran that continued to fly and respect the flag of the United States of America.
Max married his love, and leaves behind his wife of nearly 67 years, Dottie. Also left behind are his son David and his wife Judy Gross, daughter Lori and her husband Warren Wnek, as well as three grandchildren, Tiffany Topham (husband Tim), Samantha Howell (husband Mark), and Emma Hayes, and 5 great grandchildren, Mia Lynn Howell, McKenna Tess Topham, Jacob Wayne Max Howell, Ryan Lee Howell, and Charlie Joan Topham.
A celebration of life will be held at the Veterans Memorial Center 400 S Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952 on February 20, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. Casual attire recommended.