Dr. Henry Robert Gross

Henry was born February 17, 1952 in Chicago, IL to Louis Edward Gross and Anne Nee (Cantwell) Gross. He married Patty Joan Harper on February 29, 1996. Henry was a cherished father to Jack (Amber) Harper, Amanda (Andrew) Roe, and Jennifer McConnell. He was the proud grandfather of Jared (Kelly) Stein-Roe, Ashley Stein-Roe, Nicholas Harper, Robert McConnell, Dominique Harper and a doting great-grandfather to Gavin Miller, Genevieve and Dade Dingledine, Andrew and Madison Stein – Roe, and Brooklynn McConnell. He was a caring older brother to William (Jetta) Gross, Timothy (Mayra) Gross, and Mary (Stephen) Etherington and a supportive uncle to 7 nieces and nephews and a great- uncle to three great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Henry attended Northwestern University School of Medicine. He completed his Family Practice Residency at Saint Francis Hospital in 1978. He worked as a Family Practice Physician through the hospital until he retired in 2017. Henry served as the physician for the OSF Mother House until the day he retired and the Medical Director for the Peoria County Jail from 1992 – 1993. Henry enjoyed mentoring and sharing his love of learning. He held various teaching positions: Assistant Residency Program Director 1978- 1982, Residency Program Director 1982 -1986 at OSF, Residency Faculty 1986-1992, Residency Program Director 1992 -1993 OSF and Methodist Residency Programs Merged. He was awarded Teacher of the Year in 1988. He also held several professional memberships including: American Academy of Family Physicians, Illinois Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Associations, Illinois State Medical Society, and the Peoria County Medical Society. Henry enjoyed bowling on the same bowling league for over 40 years. Henry also enjoyed being part of the hospital’s R.O.M.E.O. Club (Retired Old Men Eating Out). He would often offer to pick up fellow members so they could enjoy the lunch.

Henry was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where he was often a Lesson Reader during the service. He was a volunteer Reading Buddy through the church’s Adopt- A- School program with Peoria District 150.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a private service will be held later. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria is in charge of arrangements.

Henry will be remembered as a loving devoted father and husband. He took care for Patty up until her death on January 8, 2021 from Covid-19. He was a devoted and compassionate physician, one who would take the time with patients to explain things until you understood what was going on, and he always made you feel valued, and never rushed. He always appreciated the nurses and staff. Helping others was not a job to Henry but a true passion.

Jack, Amanda, and Jennifer would like to add that our parents lived their lives by example. It’s through their love and devotion to our family that we have become the strong individuals we are.

Memorials gifts may be given to Phillips Academy in Andover, Ma.,

Northwestern University School of Medicine, or Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church 3601 N. North St. Peoria, IL 61604

Online condolences may be left for Henry’s family at www.davison-fulton.com.