Lester Leroy Gross II, 84

December 25, 2025

Lester Leroy Gross II of Dauphin and Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, Les as lovingly referred to by Anita, his wife of 63 years, passed away December 25, 2025, at the age of 84.

Lester was born on June 4, 1941, to the late Lester and Alvena (Aungst) Gross in Highspire, PA. He attended Steelton-Highspire High School. Lester proudly served his country for 23 years by enlisting in the PA Air National Guard for 7 years and then continued to serve another 16 years in the 28th Infantry Support Division of the PA Army National Guard retiring as a Master-Sergeant.

Lester was a full-time employee as a mechanic of the 28th Infantry Support Division then followed his Army retirement by another 20-year career running his own business as a MAC tool distributor. As a MAC tool distributor, he was also a sponsor of NASCAR race teams.

A longtime resident of Dauphin, PA, Lester enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, and motorcycle riding at his cabin in northwestern Pennsylvania, fishing on the Susquehanna River with Anita, driving classic cars, and playing cards with family and friends. Lester was a member of the Blue Moon Cruisers car club, the NRA, and the Loyal Order of Moose. Lester was also an avid Penn State Nittany Lion and Pittsburgh Steelers football fan!

Lester was diagnosed with dementia and spent the last years of his life navigating its difficult challenges.

Lester is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Anita Louise (Lopatic) Gross and their children, Robert Gross and his wife Jane of MD, Lynne DeHart and her husband Jayme of New Cumberland, PA. He is also survived by his grandchildren Ryan Cohick, Diana Harding and her husband Mike, Alex Cohick and his wife Alicia, Melinda Steimling and her husband Michael and 5 great-grandchildren (Emmalyn, Evan, Calvin, John, and Maggie).

Lester will be buried with Military Honors at Fort Indiantown Gap.