Ernest L. “Ernie” Ross, 85, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the husband of Linda L. Ross.
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He was born in New Bedford to the late Phillip Ross and Adelaide (Rodrigues) Ross. At a very early age, he studied the accordion, organ, and guitar. When he was a teenager, he was part of several small bands. Eventually, his musical inclination led to a more serious endeavor and he became a member of a local rock group called The Rhythm Aces. They performed locally, particularly down the Cape, and once were invited to open for Chubby Checker in New York City. This was one of his life’s greatest highlights. Music was and continued to be a life-long passion for Ernie and he entertained many over the years with his incredible talent.
Ernie was proud of his long career in the jewelry industry. He began as a Sales Associate and eventually became the Manager of Zales Jewelers. Several years later, he joined the team at Karten’s Jewelers and advanced to Operations Supervisor, and was instrumental in opening over a dozen additional branches. Finally, he owned and operated his own business, Ernie Ross Jewelers in Dartmouth. His impeccable reputation with the community led to his success for nearly three decades, until his retirement.
Boating and fishing were his favorite recreational activities. He was a long-time member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Low Tide Yacht Club. His passion for the ocean was very deep and personal. He was also a very upstanding member of the Dartmouth Rotary Club for many, happy years; an affiliation he was very proud of.
He is survived by his wife and two children, his son, Alan L. Ross and wife, Maria G. Ross, and granddaughter, Nichole M. Ross, and his daughter, Tracey L. Ross-Ramos and husband, Richard G. Ramos, and grandson, Jarryd R. Ramos. He is also survived by many, beloved friends and family members, particularly his dear sister-in-law, Dianne Finger, who has been devoted to his care and well-being for the past several years, and his sister-in-law Nancy Labrecque.
There are certain people we meet in life who just make us feel good. They make us laugh. They put a song in our heart. Ernie was that kind of person and if you were fortunate enough to have had him in your life, then you were truly blessed.
His Funeral will be held on Monday March 14th at 8:30 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church, South Dartmouth at 10 AM. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Sunday March 13th from 1-4 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, The Animal Rescue League or a charity of your choice. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Click here to view the livestream of the funeral mass.