Charles Gress

Charles Ronald Gress, age 84, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2020. He was  born August 13, 1935 at home in Fort Loudon, Franklin Co., Pennsylvania to Roy Franklin and Helen (Ross) Gress. He attended both Chambersburg and McConnellsburg High Schools and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. He had a distinguished naval career that spanned 21 years and included service during the Korean war. His tours include duty on the aircraft carrier the USS Bennington, the destroyer USS Laffeey, the ballistic missile submarine USS Robert E. Lee, the submarine tender the USS Canopus, and an oiler the USS Severn. He retired with the rank of Master Chief Machinist Mate. He continued his association with the Navy for another 22 years employed as a logistic supervisor at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, MS.

While stationed at the Great Lake Training center he met and married Elizabeth “Betty” Marcantonio on January 18, 1959. Betty preceded Charles in death after 55 dedicated years of marriage on August 8, 2014.

He is survived by his 3 sons and spouses, Mark F. and Margareta Gress of Biloxi, MS, David and Lori (Myers) Gress of Biloxi ,MS and Roy and Jacqui Gress of Sorento, FL;  7 grandchildren, Charles Daniel Gress, Christopher Michael Gress, Sarah Michelle Milbrath, Hanah Nicole Gress, Maria Louise Gress, David Ross Gress, 1 foster grandchild, Kristian Ellis; and 2 great-grandchildren, Charlotte (Charlie) Rose Gress and Nathan Drake Milbrath.

He is also survived by his sister, Helen Virginia (Gress) Smith and her family of Mercersburg, Franklin Co, Pennsylvania.

Charles was a caring and loving husband and father, an amazing and thoughtful brother and a faithful friend to many.  He will be greatly missed.

A special thanks to his fellow veterans and friends of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport who served as his second family and helped make his final “tour” one of his favorites.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations in his memory to the G.I. Museum @ 5796 Ritcher Road, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 or The Sean M. Cooley Citizen Soldier Nursing Scholarship @ 9108 Dogwood Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564.

Friends are invited to join the family on Thursday, March 12th at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, MS 39531. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. with the Celebration of Life Service to follow at 10 a.m., all in the funeral home chapel. Mr. Gress will be laid to rest next to his wife, Betty, at the National Cemetery in Biloxi. The Committal service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m.

Tributes and memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com