Ronald David Gress, Sr.

Ronald David Gress, Sr. was born on May 18, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY.  Myron and Catherine Gress moved him to Scranton, Pa shortly after. He died peacefully in his sleep this past Sunday morning in his home.

He attended West Scranton High School where he played football.  After graduation in 1966 he attended Temple University on a football scholarship as a defensive end for one year.  He transferred to University of Scranton in 1967 to be closer to his High School sweetheart, Anne Yevics whom he married June 7, 1969.

Together they had five children over the course of their 42 year marriage which was cut short with the passing of his faithful wife in 2011.

Survived by his four children, Ronald Jr, (Ronnie) Gress, Matthew Gress, and Peter John Gress and his wife Oihana Aramburu; his daughter Marisa Gress Luque and her husband Yon Luque; and his beloved grandchildren; Gracie, LillieMae and Samantha Gress, Ana and Christopher Luque all of Gainesville, Ga.  Also survived by his mother-in-law Margaret Yevics, brother-in-law, Philip Yevics and his wife Mary Jane, Scranton, Pa as well as his numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his father, Myron Gress and mother Catherine Gress and son Christopher Gress.

Ron and Anne moved to Georgia with their two eldest sons in 1975.   Leaving behind one family business, Gress Poultry in Pa to create Gress Foods Inc. in Gainesville where his entire family participated over the years. 

He was an active member of the Georgia Poultry Federation and a Lifetime Achievement Member of the Poultry Leaders Round Table.

Ron was a dedicated father and business man of 52 years in the poultry industry who greatly valued family and work.  He also believed in giving back because he truly felt he had been blessed throughout his life.  He loved to travel with his family and friends all over the world and especially the Caribbean.   Those who knew him will remember his positive attitude and sense of humor and he will be greatly missed by all the lives he came to touch.  While there will never be another like him, his fierce love of family, strong work ethic, selfless giving spirit and eternal optimism live on in his four surviving children and five grandchildren, an illuminating legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to make contributions to St. Vincent de Paul through St. Michael’s Church 1440 Pearce Circle Gainesville, Ga.30501, the Boys and Girls Club of Hall County or the Ronald D Gress Sr. Secret Santa Fund care of United Community Bank account number 2010175269.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 11, 2015 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Father Victor Reyes will officiate. Interment will be in the Alta Vista Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at Little and Davenport Funeral Home Wednesday December 9th from 3p.m. until 6 p.m.; Thursday December 10th from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Rosary at 6 p.m.

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Hwy Gainesville, GA is in charge of arrangements