Robert J. "Bob" Gross

Bob Gross of Newtown Square, PA entered into eternal life on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Peggy, his sons Bob (Kate), Matthew (Michelle) and Christopher, as well as his six grandchildren: Alaina, Michael, Joe, Collin, Gabriel, and Peter.

Bob was born in 1946 in South Philadelphia. He attended Saint Richard grade school, graduated from Saint John Neumann High School, and from Temple University with a degree in Business Administration. He proudly served his country in the US Army Reserves. Bob had a lengthy and successful career in banking as a Facilities Manager with First Pennsylvania, CoreStates, and Meridian Banks. He was a longstanding member of IFMA (International Facilities Management Association) and worked his way up to serve as President, which took him around the world to places like Japan, France, Germany, and Australia. In the later 1990’s, Bob transitioned from banking to finance and served as Facilities Manager for The Vanguard Group. 

In his spare time, Bob enjoyed playing tennis as a member of Llanerch Country Club, Merion Cricket Club, and Springton Tennis Club. Always a passionate fan of music and arts, after retiring, Bob picked up the ukulele and never put it down. He took advantage of every opportunity to play and sing for the family and friends. His passion to perform and bring music to others lead to years of volunteering his time to perform at various retirement communities. Bob’s creative talents also inspired him to pick up a paint brush. As a self-taught artist, he painted numerous, beautiful landscapes, many of which are hanging in family and friends’ homes and offices. Family members loved to joke how his painting skills made total sense, as his name was only one letter off from “Bob Ross”.

Bob’s lifelong goal and talent was making people laugh. His humor and wit would frequently result in outbursts of laughter in whatever room he graced, and there was nothing he enjoyed more than a room full of faces to entertain. He never shied away from a funny quip or comment to make someone laugh. Everyone who was lucky enough to know Bob will wholeheartedly agree his epic stories and jokes will remain with them forever and make them smile. 

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 6:00-8:00 PM Sunday, December 3, 2023 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, 610-431-9000, and Monday 10:00-11:00 AM at St. Dorothy's Church, 4910 Township Line Road, Drexel Hill, PA 19026, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Little Sisters of the Poor Holy Family Home, 5300 Chester Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143, would be appreciated.