Mark Richard Gross' Obituary
On December 12th, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida, Mark Richard Gross went to be with the Lord. He was born on January 23, 1954, to Francis Joseph Gross and Mardel Stephens Gross in Fort Sill, Oklahoma and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri.
Mark graduated from Hazelwood Central High School in 1972 and continued his education at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He pursued a successful career in the hospitality industry as a chef, enjoying a career of more than 30 years. Mark worked for various hotels and restaurants, including those associated with the National Press Club and the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C. and was the owner of Magenta Catering in Tallahassee.
In 1985, Mark married Terri Howell, and together they had three daughters. Their long marriage stood as a testament to enduring love, mutual devotion, and a shared commitment to family above all else. Mark loved all his children and took incredible joy in raising his daughters, Meghan, Danielle, and Lori Beth, considering them one of God’s greatest blessings, and he was deeply proud of each of them.
Mark was a loving Papa who delighted in his grandchildren, especially cherishing time spent together during holidays and family gatherings and celebrating their milestones and successes with pride.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mardel Stephens Gross; his father, Francis Joseph Gross; and his brother, Kevin Michael Gross.
Mark is survived by his wife, Terri Howell Gross; his son, Shawn Michael Gross (Cayla Rebecca); his daughters, Meghan Mardel Gross-White, Danielle Gross Youmans (Randy Scott), and Loretta Elizabeth Gross; his grandchildren Liam Nicholas Gross and Lucy Mae Gross, Savannah Brooklyn White and Alexandria Maribella White, Nolin Jake Youmans and Alaia Jane Youmans, and Ezra Kate Gross-McKenzie. He is also survived by his sister, Sallie Joan Gross; his brother, Terrence Alan Gross; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Though deeply missed by those who loved him, we take comfort in knowing Mark is at peace, reunited with loved ones, and forever in God’s care.
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