Charles "Rich" Gross, 74, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away at his home on January 8th, 2025.

Rich, as Charles came to be known by, was born November 24,1951 in St. Louis, Missouri welcomed by his loving parents Eldora (nee Johnson) and Charles Gross. Rich was the oldest of two children, his younger sister Ellen Worley who he loved almost as much as the love of his life that he wouldn't meet for another 40 years.  Rich grew up Wentzville, MO outside of St. Louis working for his father's construction company, until he found his passion for higher learning. Rich holds a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri in Higher and Adult Education and Educational Telecommunications and is the author of several professional papers and co-authored, along with his wife Dr. Diane Gross and Ray Pirkl, a book on distance learning.  He has also authored numerous articles and white papers on campaigns, advancement and leadership

Dr. Rich Gross was President, CEO, and co-owner of Rich Gross Solutions, Inc, (RGS) along with his wife, Diane.  The company provided a wide range of services primarily for community and technical colleges. Dr. Gross also served for over five years as President of Western Dakota Tech (WDT) in Rapid City, South Dakota.  Dr. Gross has worked with over 100 community and technical colleges and four-year colleges and universities (both public and private) throughout the U.S. and Canada.  He also served as chair of the committee of the U.S. Congressional Office of Science and Technology (called Linking for Learning) which helped to set initial policy for distance learning programs nationwide in the 1980's.

In 1993, Rich found the woman that would change his life forever, Diane Muscarella.  Rich married Diane in July 1994, in New Smyrna, Florida and became the father of two adult sons Sean and Paul Sullivan.  Rich and Diane in 2000, would move to Hot Springs, South Dakota after a short stint in Cedar Rapids, IA.  Hot Springs became their spiritual home, and they set up roots that were stronger than any place they ever visited.  Rich and Diane opened Black Hills Books and Treasures as a tribute to his late mother Eldora.  They actively ran Black Hills Books and Treasures for over 19 years before they sold it.

Rich shared an incredible love with his wife for the Black Hills and worked to help preserve many of the economic and cultural qualities. He was active in Hot Springs and South Dakota affairs, He was member of the Mammoth Site board, and a member many committee's throughout the city and state.  Rich was Hot Springs Citizen of the year in 2013.

Rich is survived by his two sons Sean Sullivan of Las Vegas, Nevada and Paul Sullvan of Ormond Beach, Florida.  He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Sydney, Rhett, Canon, Paris, and Aidan; his Nieces Kirsten McMullen, Lexi Worley, Leah Worley and Sean Worley all of Missouri.  Rich also leaves behind his late wife's mother Lucille Muscarella her sisters, Carol Edman, Jean Chance, Ann-Marie Barnard and brother Tom Muscarella and all of their children

Visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Monday, January 13, 2025, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.

Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD, followed by committal service at Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs, SD.