In Memoriam In Memoriam


David L. Gross., CPG-02568 Urbana, Illinois


November 20, 1943 - September 17, 2025


Member Since 1973 Obituary and photo obtained from The News-


Gazette website... He was born in Springfield on Nov. 20, 1943,


to parents Carl and Shirley Gross. A graduate of Beardstown High School and Knox College, he earned his Ph.D. in geology from UIUC in 1969. The Illinois State Geological Survey became his professional home for over 30 years. He was instrumental in creating the field of Environmental Geology, publishing early research on the bottom sediments of Lake Michigan. His work focused on fitting people into the physical environment. He was very passionate about scientific research and the ISGS.


While at Knox College, he met Claudia Cole; they married at


First Unitarian Church in St. Louis in 1966. He became a Unitarian, a Cardinal fan and a cat parent. She accepted his love of boats and even learned to sail. From 1965, they made their home in Champaign-Urbana and cheered for the Illini, especially the vol- leyball team. The arrival of sons, Oliver and Alexander, completed the family as they embraced parenthood.


Always the traveler, David researched geology throughout Illinois


and beyond, spending a field season in Antarctica. Travels took them to much of the U.S., especially Minnesota, spending time at Camp Unistar each summer for 40 years. For 25 years, David served as a counselor for youth week teaching sailing, mentoring teenagers and making lifelong friends. He loved sailing in nearby Illinois lakes, but especially in Minnesota in summer and the Florida Keys in winter.


In his retirement years, David became a banker serving as chair- man of a community bank in Western Illinois. Travels continued, especially cruising in both Europe and North and South America. The family grew with daughters-in-law and four perfect grandchil- dren; David's favorite name was "Grandpa."


David served AIPG as an Advisory Board member in 1980. David is survived by Claudia, his wife of 59 years; sons, Oliver


(Kerri Skrudland) of Springfield and Alexander (Jamie) of Marathon, Fla. His grandchildren are Michelle (Justin) Welever of Plant City, Fla., Megan Gross of Marathon, Fla., and Benjamin and Samantha Gross of Springfield. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Conner of Springfield and several nieces and nephews.


David lived a long and good life, accomplishing most of his


goals. We are very privileged to have known and loved him. We are especially grateful to all his colleagues, friends and family who have blessed us with their affection.


Edwin “Ed” Via, CPG-06349 Richmond, Virginia


January 19, 1936 - May 28, 2025 Member Since 1983


Obituary and photograph provided by Ed's wife, Sandy Via. Edwin "Ed" Via, 89, of Richmond VA, passed


away peacefully at home on May 28, 2025 after a long illness.


Ed was born in Martinsville VA on January 19, 1936. He was one of 11 high school seniors who graduated in 1954 from Drewry Mason High School in Martinsville. He and his brother Banks were raised on their parents’ farm where he worked during summers and harvest times. He earned a BS (1959) and an MS (1962) in Geology from Virginia Tech where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He worked for the Virginia Department of Highways for three years after graduating from college. He then worked for 17 years with Lone Star Industries as chief geologist at the corporate headquar- ters, New York City. In 1982 he became a geological consultant. He was a lifetime member of AIPG. His travel as a geologist took him to many countries outside the USA, especially in South America.


After his retirement, Ed enjoyed family trips and celebrations,


attending school programs of children and grandchildren, member- ship in the LLI (Lifetime Learning of Chesterfield), and outings with several other informal groups of friends including the “Valentine” group, composed of his Virginia Tech roommates and their spouses. He was a member of a group of friends who enjoyed breakfasts and lunches at the Apothecary, McDonalds, Bojangles, Hardees, and the Brickhouse Diner. Ed’s search for the “perfect biscuit” as well as the “perfect tomato” continued for years.


Ed also enjoyed trips to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the


Great Smoky Mountains, Williamsburg, Smith Mountain Lake, Harrisonburg, Virginia Beach, and the Outer Banks.


Travel with his wife Sandy was enhanced through a partnership


between the Virginia Community College System and Brightpoint Community College (formerly John Tyler Community College), where Sandy taught for 19 plus years, and similar colleges in the UK. Through this exchange, Sandy met Maggie Wood, who taught at Queen Mary’s College, Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK and her husband John. This friendship led to 22 years of travel for the four, who enjoyed trips both in the UK and USA, as well as extending travel to other family members. Visits to the UK included England, Scotland, and Wales as well as repeat visits to their beloved Cornwall and the Lake District. When Maggie and John visited from “Across the Pond,” the four enjoyed trips out west, Route 66, the Smoky Mountains, National Parks, the Southeast Coast, the Mississippi River, the Northeast, as well as local sites in Richmond.


Ed’s achievements and interests were many: Eagle Scout, avid


reader, rock collector, poet, proud owner of his 1989 Camry, farmer at heart, generous friend, Hokie, dear husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle, and Grandpa. He was an associate member of Central Baptist Church, Richmond VA where he enjoyed music, special programs, church dinners around the table with dear friends, and Central’s informal “parking lot” services during the pandemic. Church members recall his “laughter, kindness, wisdom, generosity, and unwavering support. His spirit will remain a guiding force, reminding us of the power of love, compassion, and togetherness.” He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.


58 TPG • Jan.Feb.Mar 2026 www.aipg.org


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