Bernard Gross

Bernard “Bernie” Gross, age 73, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, surrounded by family.
Bernie was born on August 31, 1952, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Martin Gross and Emmy Gross (Thanheiser), both of whom preceded him in death. Bernie was immensely proud to be the son of a Holocaust survivor. He grew up in Youngstown, where he formed lifelong friendships and developed a deep appreciation for community and learning. He attended The Rayen School, where he played trumpet in the marching band. Bernie later graduated from The Ohio State University, earning his Juris Doctorate.
A lifelong gardener, Bernie turned his passion for plants into his treasured business, Garden Partners, a reflection of his love for growth, care, and patience. Gardening was not just his work, but a philosophy he carried throughout his life. He often said, “The earth laughs in flowers, and I have always lived by that.”
Bernie was also a devoted lover of live music, attending countless concerts over the years. He enjoyed trivia and was known for sharing little-known facts, delighting friends with his curiosity and sharp mind. His love of sports endured through the ups and downs of his favorite teams—the Yankees, Buckeyes, Jets, and Giants. A deeply social person, Bernie cultivated many close friendships and cherished conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.
Bernie is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Powell of Pataskala, Ohio; his daughter, Tovah Emmy Gross (Nathan) Foster; and his two cherished granddaughters, Lilah G. Foster (10) and Marti Emma Foster (8). He is also survived by his stepchildren, Curt (Sarah) Powell, Tricia (Curt) Douglas, and Tyson (Stacey) Powell, as well as his step-grandchildren, Jonathan, Kennedy, Adam, Austin (Kellyn), and Matthew.
Bernie believed that life should continue to grow. In that spirit, the family requests flowering or living plants in lieu of cut flowers. Donations in Bernie’s memory may also be made to a Hebrew school of your choice to help others connect to their Jewish faith; Tifereth Israel in Columbus; or the Lori Schottenstein Chabad Center in New Albany, Ohio, where Bernie especially enjoyed watching his granddaughters grow through their Hebrew school experience. Bernie would also encourage planting a perennial or a tree at your home in his memory.
A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, February 4, at 2:30 p.m., at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Temple Israel Section, in Columbus, Ohio (entrance off Taylor Station Road). Following the service, the family will receive guests at Tovah’s home. The family also invites friends to additional visitation on Thursday, February 5, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., and Friday, February 6, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Bernie will be remembered for his warmth, curiosity, generosity of spirit, and his belief that the best things in life—like friendships and gardens—are meant to be nurtured and shared.