J. Ronald Ross, Class of 1966

Gloucester - John Ronald Ross, 78, of Gloucester, passed away peacefully from complications of Parkinson's disease on October 03, 2022, surrounded by love. Ron was born in Waynesburg, PA son of William K and Leota Ross.


Ron was a graduate of Muskingum University and received his MIR from St. Francis University. He was employed at American Standard in Pittsburgh, PA prior to his 20 years at Gloucester Engineering as Vice President of Human Resources. Ron loved living in Gloucester (the center of the universe). He enjoyed golf, skiing, biking and working out at the "Y". You would often see Ron walking his basset hounds on the Back Shore. He was also a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ron supported his community volunteering for numerous organizations and was an advocate for public school education. Ron served on many boards and committees including BankGloucester, EDIC, Cape Ann Symphony, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Beauport Financial and Northeast Health Systems. He was a member of the Bass Rocks Golf Club, Bass Rocks Beach Club and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.


Ron is survived by his wife Mary Elizabeth Benham, his daughters Stephanie Ross (Todd DePastino), Jennifer Haberberger (Drew) of Pittsburgh, PA, and stepdaughter Maris Westbrooks (TJ) of Gloucester, his brothers Timothy Ross (Judy) of Deland, Florida, Richard Ross (Lucy) of Mechanicsburg, PA, William Ross (Connie) of Hagerstown, MD, and his sister Catherine Rahter of Lancaster, Ohio, his sister-in-law Jane Gleason of Rockport and brother-in-law Robert Benham Jr. of Gloucester. His grandchildren Ellie DePastino of Chicago, IL, Libbie DePastino of Madrid, Spain, Rosaleigh Haberberger of Newark, NJ, Annabel Haberberger of Pittsburgh PA, Maliyah Harnish and Braxton Westbrooks of Gloucester, many nieces, nephews, friends and his basset hound Charlotte.


He was predeceased by his parents William K and Leota Ross, cousins, uncles and aunts including George and Nell Aiken, his father and mother-in-law Robert and Dorothy Benham, his sister-in-law and husband Judith and Tasi Kopanon, sisters-in-law Terre Benham, Norma Ross and niece Kimberly Ketterer. Sincere grateful appreciation to Cassandra, Sofia and the valued professional staff at Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Year of Muskingum Undergraduate Degree
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