Lawrence Albert Bross
Sept. 29, 1928-Jan. 23, 2019
Oceano, CA

Lawrence (Larry) Albert Bross, a former educator who taught history and government at Palo Alto High School for 30 years, died in his Oceano home on Jan. 24. He was 90. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Morris and Anna Bross in 1928, he graduated from Tilden High School in Brooklyn and the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut before earning a Master’s degree from the University of Oregon. He was a proud Seaman First Class in the Coast Guard during the Korean War. Along with his then-wife, Loretta, Larry moved to San Jose, where they raised their family while he worked as a teacher in Palo Alto. Since 1988, he has lived full time in Oceano. A modern renaissance man, Larry became an accomplished artist and sculptor. He loved sharing his work and stories with all who he invited into his home--which was everyone. He made friends easily and kept them close for years. He cherished the community of Oceano and was willing to share his ideas on its improvement with all who would listen (and some who wouldn’t). But it was his family that he loved the deepest and was so proud of, especially his four grandchildren, who will always be guided by his words, “You be the best (Sarah, Ben, Michaela, Leah) you can be.” He is survived by his brother, Seymour Bross; son, Michael Bross and his wife, Cinda; and daughter Rachel Bross; four grandchildren Leah Bross, Michaela Wright, Benjamin Bross and Sarah Wright; and nephews, Warren Bross and David Bross, and their families. The family would like to thank the kind people of the Oceano community who celebrated with Larry on his 90th birthday in September, which is how they would like him to be remembered. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Arroyo Grande Library (800 West Branch, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420), where Larry found great joy among his books and the library’s willingness to forgive his late returns.

Tags: veteran, teacher/educator, public service