David James Ross

David James Ross passed away at Peak Healthcare-The Pines, in Easton, MD, on February 24, 2021, after a five-week struggle with several complex health issues. Dave was born on November 29, 1935 in Dayton, OH to Irvine Emerson Ross Jr. and Elisabeth Brown Ross (Elisabeth Leach Brown). His family moved several times during his childhood, living in Needham MA, New Rochelle NY, Cincinnati OH, and Fort Wayne IN. He graduated from North Side High School, in Ft. Wayne, in 1953. In 1957 he graduated from Michigan State with a Bachelor of Art in Technical Illustration and was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma, holding the office of Secretary. In 1960 he took a job as an Illustrator with Vitro Corporation, a defense contractor outside of Washington D.C. He found a wonderful church home at Calvary Baptist Church in Washington D.C. In that choir he met the love of his life, Claudette M. Welsh. They were married at the First Baptist Church in Providence, Rhode Island on December 30, 1961. After a 39-year career Dave retired from Vitro in 1999. In 2004 they moved to Easton from Silver Spring, MD. Family, friends, and his many interests were always what mattered most to Dave. Even though separated by distance, it was important to him to maintain close ties with his family in Indiana, spending a couple weeks there every summer as well enjoying many Thanksgiving holidays with them. He was also blessed with deep, life-long friendships in Maryland, where he raised his family. He was a talented visual artist, home improvement craftsman, was fascinated by the Japanese art of Origami, and enjoyed small craft sailing. He was a natural musician, playing piano, double bass, cello and bass recorder. He played bass in several big bands, The Victorian Lyric Opera Company in Rockville, MD, Hexagon comedy troupe in Washington, D.C, and in several jazz groups. He sang in amateur musical theater, barber shop quartets, and, with Claudette, in church choirs, first at Calvary Baptist, then Oakdale Emory United Methodist in Olney, MD, and for the last 16 years at St. Marks United Methodist Church in Easton. He loved the pleasant company of friends, new or old, which made his welcoming presence an important part of the Easton YMCA for sixteen years. He is survived by his wife, Claudette W. Ross (Claudette M. Welsh) of Easton, his son Bradford C. Ross (wife Clare) of Easton, his son Scott E. Ross (wife Lora) of Oakland, MD, his brother Phillip C. Ross (wife Barbara) of Ft. Wayne IN, his sister Kathy R. Martin (Kathy L. Ross) (husband, Gary) of Fort Wayne IN, and his grandchildren, Cayley E. Ross, Natalie K. Ross, and William J. Ross. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service at St. Marks will be announced later in the year. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the YMCA, 202 Peachblossom Road, Easton MD 21601 or St. Marks United Methodist Church, 100 Peachblossom Road, Easton, MD 21601.

David James Ross

November 29, 1935 - February 24, 2021