Obituary of Edwin J. Gros

Mr. Edwin J. Gros, Jr., 77, formerly of Otsego Street, Canajoharie, died peacefully Saturday, August 1, 2009 at Hospice House of Williamsburg, VA following a brief illness. Born on April 15, 1932 he was the son of the late Edwin J. Gros, Sr. and Marion Cloutier Gros. A lifelong area resident, Ed was a 1949 graduate of Fonda High School and a 1953 graduate of Syracuse University. He was employed for over 30 years for Beech- Nut in Canajoharie, retiring in 1981, as Vice President of the International Division. After retirement, he continued working as a management consultant at Coleco Industries and DieMolding until 1991. In 1953, following college, Ed proudly entered with the Unites States Navy and served for four years until his discharge. He then continued to serve his country with the Naval Reserves for twenty two years until he retired at the rank of Commander. He was of the protestant faith and was a member of the Canajoharie Reformed Church, where he served as Deacon and Treasurer. A forty year former member of the Fort Renssalaer Club, he served as President and Treasurer. He also served for a time on the Canajoharie Central School, Board of Education and was a member of the Fultonville Lodge F&AM #531. In 2006, Ed and Dale moved to Williamsburg to be closer to their children. His loving family includes his wife of over 50 years, the former Dale VanWagenen; four daughters, Pamela Andrew Mercer of Williamsburg, VA, Barbara Peter Karabots of King George, VA, Susan O'Hare of Williamsburg, VA and Emily Donald Caggiano Gros of Westempton, NJ; one sister Marian George Armstrong of Mechanicville, NY; and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 11 o'clock at the Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie with the Rev. Lisa Vander Wal presiding. Interment with full military honors will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, Sandflats, Fonda. Relatives and friends are invited and may call from 5 until 7 Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice House of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188.