Donald J. Gross, 65, of Kearsarge Mountain Road, died on January 7, 2016 at his home.

He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on January 6, 1951, the son of the late John N. and Joan D. (Peitz) Gross. He graduated from New London High School in 1970 and attended Claremont VoTech. Later, while working, he went to FBI training in Quantico, Virginia.

Don was a police officer for the Nashua Police Department from 1972 to 2004, retiring as Chief. While working in Nashua, he lived in Merrimack and moved to Andover in 2004.

After his retirement, Don conducted investigations for the state and helped organize smaller police departments. He owned and operated Pave-A-Little, was involved with the Gross Family Farmstand making picnic tables and selling vegetables, and was part owner of Blackwater Properties and Storage.

Always busy and willing to help, Don served as Building Inspector for the Town of Andover, was on the Zoning Board, and served as Selectman.

He was a member of many professional organizations, including the International Chiefs of Police Association. He was a member of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau, served on the Board of Granite State Credit Union, and was Santa Claus at the Gift of Lights at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

He was one of the founders of the Nashua Police Athletic League (PAL), an organization which helps kids in the community through youth athletic programs. He was a member of the American Chunker Team, which holds the world record for pumpkin chunkin’. Don was fond of old cars, trucks, and antiques; loved to visit; and enjoyed bartering.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Karen “Fred” (Demers) Gross of Andover; two sons, Nicholas and his wife Caroline Gross of Sunapee, and Matthew and his fiance Kimberly Micka of Croydon; two grandsons, Benjamin and Ryan; a sister, Donna Vilsmeier of Manchester; three brothers: Russell J. Gross of North Sutton, Richard J. Gross of Andover, and Raymond J. Gross of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call at the Chadwick Funeral Home at 235 Main Street in New London on Thursday, January 14, from 4 to 6 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 15, at 11 AM at Our Lady of Fatima Church at 724 Main Street in New London.

Memorial contributions may be made to PAL, 52 Ash Street, Nashua NH 03060, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 510 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.