William F. Gross

William F. Gross, 84, Retired Chief of Stoughton Police Department and a retired Captain of the Massachusetts State Police, died Wednesday, January 14 at the Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton. He was the husband of the late Ann Marie (Elwell) Gross. Born in Boston and raised in Dorchester, he was a resident of Stoughton since 1968. Mr. Gross was a graduate of both Commerce High School in Boston and Massasoit Community College. He also attended Northeastern University and Boston College. Chief Gross was a Proud WWII Veteran of the US Navy. Upon discharge, he enlisted as a Massachusetts State Trooper, where he served for 28 years, retiring at the rank of Captain. He then became the Superintendent of the Boston & Maine Railroad Police Department and then became the Chief of the Stoughton Police Department where he served for several years. Following his retirement from Stoughton, he became Director of Security for Franklin Sports in Stoughton until his retirement in 2008.
He was a member of the VFW and was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus both in Stoughton, a member of the USS Brooklyn Assn, Sub Vets WWII Assn, US Navy Cruiser Sailors Assn., Mass. Chiefs of Police Assn, International Chiefs of Police Assn., Former Massachusetts State Troopers Assn., Retired Troopers Assn. and the American Association of State Troopers.
He is survived by his daughter Deborah A. Simonds and her husband Frank H. Simonds of Avon, his grandson Frank H. Simonds III and his wife Cindy and his sister Lillian Sheehan of Acton. He is also survived by his longtime companion and former wife Elizabeth Donnelly-Gross of Stoughton and W. Falmouth. In addition to his wife of 39 years Ann Marie, he was predeceased by his sister Beverly Auch and his brother Robert Gross.
Funeral will be held from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rt.27) Stoughton on Tuesday, January 20 at 8:45 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Michael's Church, Avon at 10 AM. Visiting Hours Monday 4-8 PM. Burial will take place at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.