John A. Ross

John A. Ross of Ogunquit, ME passed away peacefully at his home on November 9, 2024.  

John was born on January 7, 1935 in Bristol, CT. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. John met his adoring wife, Pat, in high school in Bristol and they celebrated 68 years of marriage earlier this year.

John attended General Motors Institute (Kettering University) in Flint, MI on a four year scholarship where he studied mechanical engineering. After a decade as an engineer, John decided that he wanted to help others and he took a job with Boy Scouts of America. He loved the Boy Scouts of America, mentoring youth, and being outdoors. He worked there for 34 years in CT, NH, and MA, rising to Scout Executive for the Housatonic Council and the Cape Cod & Islands Council. After retirement, he worked well into his late 70s selling water treatment equipment and working in the hardware department at Sears in Hyannis, MA.

John was a genuine people person. He always had several stories to share about his childhood, the Boy Scouts, and current events. Giving back was a focus of John’s life. He was an active member of the Rotarians and volunteered at the Hyannis Senior Center delivering meals to seniors. He was also a devoted member of the Baptist Church and was a lifelong Christian. When he moved to Ogunquit, ME in 2011, he became an enthusiastic volunteer at the Ogunquit Heritage Museum and the Marginal Way.

John and Pat spent many winters in Sun City Center, FL where he honed his drawing and painting skills. His favorite subjects were landscape, birds, and seascapes, including many paintings of Nubble Lighthouse. He won several blue ribbons at local art contests. Having a reputation as “Mr. Fix-It”, he spent much of his time in Sun City Center helping others’ fix and maintain their homes. He built furniture, including several cabinets, and was a passionate woodworker. He had every saw and tool known to man!

John was a loving father to Brian (Diane) of York, ME, Sharon of Bethesda, MD; and Bob (Karen) of Stowe, VT.  John was a doting and fun-loving grandfather to Melissa Prass (Markus), Katie, Becky (fiancé Ashley Barrows), Callagy, and Sloane. John was a great grandfather to Luise and Emilia Prass and enjoyed their visits from Germany each summer. John looked forward to dinners at the Wells Steakhouse with his brother-in-law, David Reid. John is predeceased by his granddaughter, Callagy Fahey Ross, Sharon‘s partner, Bill McCoy, and his parents, Alexander and Dorothy (Brown) Ross.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Marginal Way, Ogunquit at marginalwayfund.org. or to the Center for Active Living, c/o York Parks and Recreation Dept., 186 York St., York, Maine 03909

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