Celebrating the Life of Gregory James Porter Ross

The family and friends of Gregory James Porter Ross, 38, are heartbroken by his sudden and tragic passing on Sunday morning, April 20, 2025.

Born on July 12, 1986, in Indianapolis, Greg was raised in Fort Wayne, IN. As a preadolescent, he spent countless afternoons and summer days playing the sport he loved most—basketball. He was blessed to move next door to his grandmother at an early age, where he enjoyed spending time and built a sensational appetite for a good home-cooked meal. When he wasn’t on the court, you could find him indoors, relaxing or challenging friends to a game of NCAA Football. Greg was actively involved in Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and was a lifelong member of Union Baptist Church.

Greg’s charisma and charm were evident from an early age. In middle school, he joined the show choir, where his personality and natural confidence shone. By the time he entered high school, Greg had already discovered his gift for connecting with others. He had an easy smile, a kind heart, and a talent for making everyone feel welcome.

At 16, Greg began working at Demo, a clothing store in Glenbrook Mall, launching what would become a successful career in retail. His eye for style and tireless work ethic quickly moved him up the ranks—from sales associate to one of the youngest store managers. He later joined Man Alive, eventually managing one of its locations, and through these experiences, he formed lifelong friendships.

During this chapter of his life, Greg quickly earned a reputation as one of the best dancers in Fort Wayne, often lighting up any room where music was playing. Dance became another way he shared his joy and talents with the world—never one to shy away from a dance challenge.

Greg graduated from Northrop High School in 2005 and attended Purdue University in Fort Wayne. Shortly after, he took his talents to Radio Shack, where he would merge his retail experience with a love for technology. His dedication and leadership led him to open and manage several new store locations—a recurring theme throughout his professional life.

Since 2013, Greg nurtured and developed his career at Costco. As a manager, his role took him across the country, from opening Costco warehouses to managing hundreds of employees in the call center—serving in cities such as Mishawaka, IN; Mobile, AL; Oklahoma City, OK; Minneapolis, MN; Seattle, WA; and ultimately back home to Fort Wayne, IN. Greg was passionate about Costco's culture and people, and he took great pride in mentoring employees and serving customers. His return to Fort Wayne was especially meaningful, as it allowed him to be more present in the life of his beloved son, Kaiden, and closer to his mother, Denise Porter Ross.

Greg cherished every moment spent attending Kaiden’s sports games and school events, creating lifelong memories together on weekends. When they weren’t at an event, they’d spend countless hours perfecting Kaiden’s craft at Turner’s, playing football in the gym. Greg enjoyed watching Kaiden play so much that he would often send video clips to his friends.

Greg lived life to the fullest. He had a big heart, a quick sense of humor, and an undeniable love for people. Known for his impeccable style, Greg was always the best-dressed in the room. He found joy in traveling the world and made the most of every opportunity, visiting countries like Japan, Qatar, Spain, Argentina, Greece, and Italy among others. From swimming with sharks in the South China Sea to attending the Winter Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, Greg proudly shared he had visited 17 countries, with many more planned.

Greg was looking forward to his future—most excited about giving back to the community through youth technology education, his real estate pursuit of developing container homes through Fort Wayne’s Lots of Love program and exploring IT opportunities within Costco. He had completed IT training with Costco and was fortunate to be mentored by one of the company's technology leaders during his time at their headquarters in Seattle, WA. With strong intentions for the next chapter of his life, Greg was driven by an entrepreneurial spirit with a servant leaders’ heart. He looked forward to pursuing these goals with passion and purpose.

He was dedicated to the betterment of the community, a trait he picked up from his mother, as he watched her serve the city of Fort Wayne for years, volunteer at church and throughout the community, always willing to lend a hand, especially to those in need. Greg served as a Board Member for Urban Beginnings Federal Credit Union and a community advocate for Believe in a Dream, Inc., and the YMCA. He and Kaiden were active members of Fort Wayne Turners, sharing their love of fitness and community.

Of all the professional accomplishments, adventures, and titles Greg experienced throughout his life, none meant more to him than his greatest blessing and proudest title—Dad—to his son, Kaiden. For years, Greg worked tirelessly to find a way to be closer to Kaiden, and at last, he fulfilled his greatest dream: living in the same city as Kaiden.

Greg is survived by his eleven-year-old son, Kaiden Kline (mother, Noelle Kline), and his mother, Denise Porter Ross, all of Fort Wayne. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Ross, and his grandparents, Jackie and Hilery Ferguson.

He also leaves behind his aunt and uncle, Sherrie Walker and Richard Porter; his cousins, James Porter, Benjamin Porter, Brandon Porter, Ashe Walker, and Molly Waddell; and lifelong friends, Jamal A. Robinson, Brandon Jones, and Marcus Michael.

Preferred memorials are to a scholarship fund for Gregory’s son. Checks to the memorial fund should be written to Denise Porter-Ross.