Frederick "Fritz" Thomas Gross

Frederick "Fritz" Thomas Gross was born on August 17, 1953, and died on December 22, 2024, after a very brief battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was 71 years young.

When Fritz was young, his family purchased a cabin on Clearwater (Burditt) Lake, located in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. Fritz would spend the summers there.  This is where his love of loons began.  He was an avid water skier and a great swimmer. He was the first one to dive off of the rock by his cabin, which was about 25’ high - a feat that was talked about for years! Fritz returned with his wife Karen to Clearwater and stayed at the resort there, which is owned by a childhood friend. Through several visits, Fritz showed his love of the lake remained, and his memories of his youth and time spent there were treasured and priceless memories. 

Fritz was passionate about the University of Detroit Jesuit High School basketball team.  Wherever they played, home or away, and regardless of the weather, Fritz would drive 40+ miles from his home in Pinckney, Michigan to cheer for the Cubs.  Fritz was very proud to be an alum of UDJHS and took any opportunity to support his former school.  The class of 1971 will miss him greatly.

Fritz was also an accomplished self-taught musician, playing guitar and singing blues and rock with Blues Infusion, who performed at various Washtenaw, Livingston, and Oakland County venues.  Through music, Fritz evoked emotion and told stories while paying homage to his favorite guitarists like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Joe Bonamassa.  His bandmates' lives are enriched by knowing him and they feel fortunate to have been able to make music with him.

Fritz spent the majority of his career in pharmaceuticals for Boehringer Ingelheim.  His coworkers described him as warm, generous with his time, and ego-free.  He looked out for others and often offered a helping hand.

Fritz loved to play golf.  He played every opportunity he could.  This was accomplished at the driving range, on the course, or through a UDJHS event.  Fritz enjoyed the sport for what he valued most about it - a chance to enjoy a few hours outdoors with a friend.

Hockey was another favorite sport Fritz enjoyed.  The Detroit Red Wings were his favorite team, a trait he instilled in his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchild.  Fritz coached hockey and even played in an adult league himself.

Family was at the center of Fritz's life.  He is survived by his wife Karen, the love of his life whom he affectionately called "Blue Eyes", his daughters Jennifer Rhue (James) and Rebecca Mahoney, and his stepsons Art Huber IV (Rachel), Steven James (Amanda), and Jeffrey James.  He is also survived by ten amazing grandchildren (Samantha Baxter, Emily Salerno, Leyton Nicklosovich, Dawson Nicklosovich, Claire Huber, Bri Huber, Ava James, Charlotte James, Skylar Mahoney, and Michael Mahoney) and one great-grandchild (Kellin Baxter).  Fritz was predeceased by his parents (Albert Henry Thomas Gross and Dorothy Jane Carter), grandmother (Grace Beauregard), sister (Robyn), and grandson (Hunter Salerno).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online at uofdjesuit.org, or checks can be made out to University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, and mailed to: 

University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy

8400 South Cambridge

Detroit MI 48221

c/o David Gumbel, VP- Institutional Advancement

Donations should be specified as “In Memory of Fred “Fritz” Gross, ‘71.” 

Fritz’s family and friends will gather Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 9:30AM-11:30AM, at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel. His Community Farewell will follow at 11:30AM. Food will be provided during the gathering before the service. Please leave a message of comfort for Fritz’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.