Albert J. Gress, 75, a building tradesman and construction supervisor who helped oversee such projects as the construction of the Sears Tower, died after a stroke Monday, June 17, in the University of Chicago Hospitals. Mr. Gress had a strong belief there was a right way to do everything, said his son AlanMr. Gress joined the Marine Corps just before he was to graduate from Tilden Technical High School in 1945, according to his son. During his four years as a Marine, Mr. Gress served aboard the USS Rockbridge. He went into construction after returning to Chicago, joining Carpenters Union Local 141. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, helping found a chapter on the Southwest Side and later becoming a district deputy. “He had a strong dedication to the things he was involved in–he did everything 100 percent,” his son said. Mr. Gress and his late brother Joseph worked for years as tile layers and cabinet makers, and Mr. Gress eventually bought the company he worked for, Grid Iron Tile, in the late-1960s. He sold the company in the early-1970s to become a construction superintendent at the Sears Tower during the end of its construction. A decade later, he oversaw construction of the red brick high-rise condominiums in the Dearborn Park neighborhood as well as restoration of the Dearborn Street station at Polk and Dearborn Streets. He married the former Carol Kasprowicz in 1952 and was active in their home parish, St. Symphorosa, where after retiring in 1990 he designed a grotto on the church grounds and oversaw contracting work done at the church and parish school. An amateur photographer, he took pictures at confirmations and first communions at the church.. In addition to his son and his wife, Mr. Gress is survived by two other sons, Daniel and Jim; a daughter, Nancy Stepusin; and 10 grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the Central Funeral Chapel, 6158 S. Central Ave., Chicago. Mass will be said at 9:30 a.m. Friday in St. Symphorosa Catholic Church, 6135 S. Austin Ave., Chicago.
