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Catholic priest from Mass. dies ‘tragically’ in Spain, police reportedly investigating
One outlet reported that Father Richard K. Gross, who formerly taught at B.C. High School, was murdered while on vacation in Spain.
A Catholic priest from Massachusetts died “tragically” Jan. 20 in Spain, his order said.
Father Richard K. Gross, 80, a Wrentham native, died in the city of Málaga while “preparing to embark on a cruise,” Jesuits USA East Province said in an online announcement. The announcement did not mention a cause of death.
Jesuits USA said in a statement they were “shocked and saddened” by Gross’ death, but declined to comment further on his passing until an ongoing police investigation concludes.
Gross was ordained in 1976, then spent five years at Boston College High School as a religion teacher and spiritual counselor, the order said. He returned to BC High in 2023 to continue his pastoral work and serve the Jesuit community there, according to Jesuits USA.
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“We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic passing of Father Richard Gross,” the school said in a statement.
Following his initial time at BC High, Gross taught at Phillips Academy for more than a decade. Later in life, he served as a chaplain at several secular and Catholic schools, according to Jesuits USA.
Gross was known for his love of travel, his “trademark self-confidence,” and his “characteristically independent and adventurous spirit,” the order said.
Gross is survived by three sisters and predeceased by a brother, according to Jesuits USA.
Though police are currently investigating Gross’ cause of death, he was allegedly murdered during a robbery at his rented apartment, according to WCVB, which cited a Spanish newspaper’s sources.
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Separately, the Spanish publication SUR in English reported that an 80-year-old American tourist was found dead in an apartment in Málaga with alleged “signs of violence.” Though the victim was not identified by SUR, the description of the tourist and the surrounding circumstances match those of Gross.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Father Gross’s family, his brother Jesuits, and all those blessed by his ministry and friendship,” BC High said in a statement. “We pray for his eternal peace and comfort for those mourning his loss.”
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