Frederick (Rich) Richard Ross, age 62 of Jermyn, passed away Friday at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton after a longtime illness.
Born in Scranton on April 28, 1961 and son of the late Frederick (Fred), Jr. and Barbara (Mainwaring) Ross, Rich was a graduate of West Scranton High School’s Class of 1979.
He proudly served in the U.S. Navy, having been stationed on the U.S.S. Ranger in the Southeast Pacific. He earned the Navy’s Service Deployment Ribbon (w/ one bronze star), the Humanitarian Service Medal and the Expeditionary Medal prior to his honorable discharge and entry into the Naval Reserves. After working at the San Diego International Airport he returned home to work at the former Specialty Records in Olyphant.
A die-hard sports fan, Rich loved his Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Phillies and P.S.U. Nittany Lions. Friendly, humorous, easy going and always engaging in conversation, Rich was a kind soul who will never be forgotten by his loved ones.
He is survived by two sisters, Tracy Ann Sallo and husband Peter of Dickson City and Mary Theresa Tellip and husband Gregory of Scott Twp.; nieces and a nephew, Joseph and Tori Sallo, Samantha Tellip and Jacqueline Yorty; and cousins. An infant sister, Kelly Ross, also preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made in Rich’s name to either the Wounded Warrior Project c/o 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or to the Gary Sinise Foundation c/o P.O. Box 40726, Nashville, TN 37204.
Private arrangements with burial at the Cathedral Cemetery in West Scranton are under the care of the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton.
