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He may be retired, but that doesn't stop Rye native Frank Gross from helping his community. On school days, Gross, who now lives in Harrison, stands in front of Harrison Avenue Elementary school greeting parents and children while helping them cross the street."Aside from enjoying the fresh air when the weather's nice, I mostly like being out here and meeting people," Gross said. "The hours are strange, but they're perfect for a retired person like me."The crossing guard is a father of four, who he said are now older and out of the house. He also has three grandchildren.Gross works from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. for his first shift, and then heads home for the morning. He returns for a second shift at noon, and then finally for a third from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. helping students and parents cross the streets safely.And after the past eight months of watching the intersection of Harrison and Union Avenue, he said the sudden change in weather has been more than pleasant. "Last winter was brutal," he said.Gross said he spent 35 years working in the Bronx as an owner of a Pepsi Co. distributor until he retired. He is also a former member of the United States Marine Corps."I wanted to give the Pepsi business to my son or my son-in-law," he said. "But it's so dangerous down there. I came back home."Gross said he was recommended to the job by Harrison Police Chief Anthony Marraccini, who sees him frequently throughout Harrison, including at their local church."Frank has unbelievable credentials," Marraccini said. "He has tremendous character and we're very happy to have him on board."
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