Aug. 19, 1931—July 2, 20098

John James Gross, who served as Erie County purchasing director under the Regan and Rutkowski administrations, died Thursday in Veterans Affairs Medical Center after a brief illness. He was 77.

Born in Buffalo, Mr. Gross was a 1949 graduate of St. Joseph Collegiate Institute and also graduated from Bryant& Stratton and Erie County Technical Institute.

He was a Korean War-era veteran of the Air Force, serving as an airman first class and drill instructor, stationed in Geneva from 1951 to 1954.

A certified purchasing director, Mr. Gross served as president of the Purchasing Management Association of Buffalo, and was awarded two of the organization’s awards for distinguished service.

In addition, Mr. Gross worked as the purchasing director for the Diocese of Buffalo. He also created and taught the purchasing and materials management programs at Erie Community and Bryant&Stratton colleges.

In 1995, Mr. Gross retired as materials manager for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.

A diocesan president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Mr. Gross also served as the society’s president at Infant of Prague parish for 25 years. He was active in the parish for 50 years, serving as a Eucharistic minister. He also was a volunteer for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and offered communion to patients.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, the former Joan Drew; two daughters, Carol Schwartz and Susan Wielgosz; two sons, John Jr. and Joseph; and a sister, Letty Lichner.

A Mass of of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a. m. Tuesday in Infant of Prague Church, 921 Cleveland Drive, Cheektowaga.