Born on December 7, 1945, in Cuba, he was a son of Clyde A. and Elva V. (Randolph) Gross. On November 24, 2000, on his farm, he married the former Deborah A. Wilson, who survives.

A graduate of Rushford Central School, Russ originally planned to attend college. However, realizing the cost was more than his family could manage, he chose to return home to become a farmer. He owned and operated the Gross Farm in the Rawson Valley for decades until his retirement several years ago.

In his retirement, Russ began transporting members of the Amish community—a role that quickly grew very dear to his heart. He was proud to eventually sell his farm to them and took great joy in sitting on his porch, watching the new additions to the property take shape.

A dedicated member of the horse-pulling community, Russ was honored just last summer for his years of involvement and his many contributions to the Black Creek Father’s Day horse pull.

Surviving in addition to his wife Debbie are; his children Tammy Gross of Canandaigua, Michelle (Bob) Marcus of Rochester, Todd (Heather) Keesler, Terri (Annette Caster) Keesler, and Danielle Keesler all of Cuba; and Brian (Theresa) Worthington of Farmersville Station; 15 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; three brothers David L. (Christine) Gross of Florida, Daniel B. Gross of Cuba, and Randy D. (Debbie) Gross of Queensbury; several nieces and nephews; a brother-in-law Donald Taylor of Kansas City, Kansas; and three sisters-in-law Donna Gross of Avoca, Terry Wilson of Bolivar, and Patty Wilson of Connecticut.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service., Inc.