In memory of
Joseph Tross
1928-2009
In memory of Joseph Tross 1928-2009 |
|
 Joseph Nehemiah
Tross, passed away on July 5, 2009 at the age of 80. Joseph was born in
Cuba on
July 7, 1928 to Victor and Ellen Tross and was the fourth of seven
children. As
a young boy he worked odd jobs to help support the household after his
father
passed away at an early age. This was the beginning of his lifelong
journey
which was paved with hard work and determination. On June 27, 1956 he
married
Virginia G. Sinclair and in 1960 they left their native land in search
of new
and better opportunities for their family. Arriving in New York with
one penny
in his pocket, Joseph worked hard wherever he could find work,
sometimes
working several jobs at a time until he successfully purchased a
multi-family
home which eventually would house several family members whose arrival
from
Cuba he helped to facilitate. With urging from a close family friend,
he
eventually moved his family to Grand Rapids, Michigan where he made his
home
until his passing in 2009. Joseph, also known as "Joe" to many,
retired from the Kent Intermediate School District after 30 years of
service
but retirement for Joseph meant starting up his own lawn service, trash
hauling
and snow removal services, vegetable gardening and volunteering with
various organizations
including several food truck distribution initiatives within the city.
Joe also
took pride in being an American. He passionately participated in local
electoral processes by exercising his right to vote and by working in
the
polling stations during general elections. Joe was also well-known for
being
able to quote the Bible from memory. He was actively involved in the
Seventh
Day Adventist church since his youth and died with the faith that one
day he
would reunite with his family and friends in the second coming of the
Lord. In
addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 42
years,
Virginia G. Tross, two brothers and three sisters. Joe is survived by
his
children, Jose Tross, Rodolfo (Julie) Tross and Lydia Sinclair-Tross;
nine
grandchildren, Jose L. (Erika) Tross, Sonya Sueing, Loren Tross,
William (CB)
Morgan, Brandon Tross, Lee Tross, Erica Tross, Anthony Tross and
Marlena Morgan
and one great grandson, Andrew Tross. He will also be missed by a host
of other
family members, church family, lifelong friends and other acquaintances. Funeral service will be held on Friday, July
10th at the Spanish Seventh Day Adventist Church (700 Burton St. SE)
beginning
at 11:15 a.m. |
| Lot Location -- Old Rugged Cross 126 D #3 |