Robert P. Ross, 74 of Holly Hill Fl and formerly of Woonsocket R.I. passed peacefully December 30, 2011 with his family by his side. He was born in Manville R.I. on August 20, 1937. He is survived by the love of his life for 53 wonderful years Dorothy whom he met at the YMCA dances. Dorothy will always cherish their times and memories together. He was predeceased by his parents Paul and Germaine (St. Germain) Ross. After high school Robert join the Air Force and later worked at the French-Worsted Mills in Woonsocket with his mother. He married Dorothy in 1958. While attending Bryant College he acquired a job with the Postal Services as a mail carrier in 1965 where he worked until 1974. After traveling a memorable trip to Europe and many tropical islands, Robert and Dorothy moved to Florida in 1982. Robert spent the next 29 years enjoying life with his family and many friends. He was an avid history buff and inquisitive mystery reader who never lost the desire to learn about history and current events. He is survived by his brother Paul Jr. of Holly Hill Fl and his sister Claire and husband Kurt Miller of Wethersfield, Ct.. Robert enjoyed his conversations with his brother Paul; jokes, laughter, and childhood memories as well as his weekly chats with his sister Claire about the books they read together. Robert loved to sing, cook, bowl, camp, and play pool and cards. Robert’s most memorable moments were his numerous visits up North to visit his children and grandchildren in addition to his excursions to Canada. In 2008 Robert and Dorothy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends followed by a Canadian cruise with his children, grandchildren, and family. He is also survived by his son Robert Jr. of West Hartford Ct and daughter Karen and her spouse Sharon of West Springfield MA. They will always remember their yearly summer trips to Scarborough Beach and the many family events, just too many too list! Grandpa will be deeply missed by his four grandchildren and a great grandchild; Ryan, Kelsey, Yukon, Cooper “baby“ , “pretty” Holly and numerous nieces and nephews especially Pam.
His funeral will be held Saturday at 8:00AM from the Fournier & Fournier Funeral Home 99 Cumberland St., Woonsocket, with a 9:00AM Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph's Church, Mendon Rd., Woonsocket. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Manville. Visiting hours will be Friday 6-8PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the American Lung Association or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.