Wilfred Walter "Billy" Gross Jr.

Lubec and Machias – Wilfred “Billy” Walter Gross Jr., 36, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 21, 2020. Billy was born in Machias on December 30, 1983, the third child of Wilfred Walter Gross Sr. and Brenda (Lyons) Gross.

Bill was very athletic and played many sports during his high school career, but his favorite sport was basketball. He and his brother were often found outside playing 1 on 1, all hours of the day and night, and he was a very active participant of Men’s Ball in Lubec. After completing high school, Billy was able to travel throughout the east coast while working for Abhe and Svoboda but he was always a Down East boy at heart and returned home to work with Atlantic Renovation in Calais, and then Looks Gourmet Canning Company in Whiting.

Bill had an outlook on life that was unlike any other. He loved hard and was loved by many, he was the life of the party and partied like every day was going to be his last, and he was the first person to stand up and defend a friend and the last person to back down. He also had an obsession with karaoke unlike any other. He could completely slaughter any song, hit high notes that could crack glass, and was not shy in singing loud and proud. He and his father shared a love for Tina Turner songs that was oddly hilarious.

He was a great friend to so many people, a loving uncle and brother, a hardworking and reliable co-worker, and a great father. Billy was so great with kids of all ages, but when his son Mason was born it changed his life. He was so proud of how smart his son was every day of his life.

Bill was predeceased by both of his parents; as well as both his paternal and maternal grandparents. He is survived by his son Mason James Gross of Machiasport; sisters Bobbie (Gross) Barker and husband David of Campobello, and Lea (Gross) Farrar and husband Jamie of Calais; his brother Timothy Gross and fiancée Alicia of Portland; nephews Gary Maker, Jaxon and Kolin Barker; niece Alyssa Farrar; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Our family would also like to extend their condolences to the family of one of Billy’s best friends and roommate, Chris Harrison, whom also lost his life alongside Billy. Please know you are all in our thought and prayers. If this devastating loss has taught us anything, it’s to never take tomorrow for granted, and to always tell your family you love them, because once they are gone you will forever lose your chance.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Sunday, October 4, 2020 at Green Acres Cemetery in Lubec, with a celebration of life to follow. Location to be determined. We would like to sincerely thank Mays Funeral Home in Calais for their kindness and professionalism during this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais, ME 04619, Re: Billy Gross.