William "Bill" Kenneth Gross

William “Bill” Kenneth Gross, 76, of Bolivia, North Carolina, formerly of Northborough, Massachusetts, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at his home with family at his bedside, following a time of declining health. Bill was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on April 15, 1949, and was the son of the late Richard Kenneth and Beatrice Flora (Carlsen) Gross.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Lowell. Throughout his career, he was credited as the inventor on one patent and co-inventor on another, and he spent many rewarding years with EMC Corporation before retiring in 2009.

For many years, Bill was a devoted member of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Northborough, Massachusetts, where he found both community and spiritual support. Two years ago, he embraced a deeply meaningful milestone in his faith, completing his spiritual journey at Sacred Heart Parish and fully entering into the Catholic Church—a faith he held close to his heart.

Blessed with a gentle soul and quiet strength, Bill was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who found great joy in making pasta and reading with his grandchildren. He lived by the simple yet enduring mantra: “Family First.”

An avid history enthusiast and member of the Civil War Round Table, Bill also enjoyed a wide range of hobbies. He was an amateur radio operator, a master scout leader, and a passionate gardener. His talents extended to woodworking, sailing, traveling, and building models—so many, in fact, that they filled every available space in his home.

Surviving are his loving wife of 49 years, Sandra Lee (Desmarais) Gross; a son Kenneth James Carlsen and his wife Lucia; a daughter Christine Anne (Hilary) and her husband Richard; sisters Karen M. Pires and brother-in-law Joseph; Holly D. Salgueiro, and his stepmother Diane A. Gross.  Also, his beloved grandchildren Brooklyn M. Carlsen, Aiden J. Carlsen, Colin J. Hilary, and Evan J. Hilary, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Southport, North Carolina on Wednesday July 2, 2025 at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in his memory to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com

Michael J Fulwood Funeral Service Licensee, 910-471-5441