ROSS SIRAGUSA

SIRAGUSA--Ross D., Jr.,

Ross D. Siragusa, Jr, died peacefully at his home in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL on Thursday, November 27, 2014. Son of the late Ross D. Siragusa (founder, Admiral Corporation) and late Irene O'Brien Siragusa; beloved husband of Alison Siragusa for 62 years; devoted father of Irene S. Phelps (Charles J. Eastman), Alisa S. Perrotte and Ross D. Siragusa III (Susan K. Siragusa); cherished grandfather of Andrew A. Perrotte, Isabel K. Siragusa and J. Marco Siragusa; and dear brother of John R. Siragusa (Jack), Richard D. Siragusa (Dick) and Mary Irene Siragusa Hicks (deceased). Ross grew up in Barrington, IL and graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, MA in 1949 and Yale University in 1953. He married Alison F. Fennelly in June 1952 and they raised their three children in Lake Forest, IL. Ross joined his father's television company Admiral Corporation in 1953, holding several executive positions over the years. He succeeded his father as president from 1969 to 1974, when Admiral was acquired by Rockwell International. He was elected to the Board of Directors and served until 1995. In 1976, Ross and his brothers Jack and Dick bought Game Time, a manufacturer of commercial outdoor playground equipment and in 1981 they moved the company to Fort Payne, Alabama. Ross served as president until his retirement in 1997, when Game Time was acquired by Swing-N- Slide Corp. In 1981 Ross and Alison moved to Fort Payne, AL and established Straight Creek Farm, a successful 500 acre cow/calf operation with Limousine cattle. He grew up on a farm and always wanted to live on one again. Like his father before him, Ross was an astute businessman, a thoughtful problem solver and an innovator. He held several patents for equipment, and inspired those around him with his deep curiosity and passion for education and life-long learning. A modest man who preferred to work quietly behind the scenes, Ross leaves a remarkable philanthropic legacy though his personal giving to educational institutions, nonprofits serving youth and advancing educational opportunities, as well as through his father's charitable entity The Siragusa Foundation, on which he served as board member from 1980-1981 and 1991-2007. He was instrumental in leading the foundation to make the largest grant in its history --$6 million to Lurie Childrens Hospital, saying that the transplant program at Lurie was cutting edge, much like the work of his father and Admiral Television. Ross was a major benefactor of the Yale University Art Gallery and along with Alison a loyal member of its Patrons group for many years. Ross and Alison had a passion for traveling. Together, they visited all seven continents and encouraged their children and grandchildren to see the world. He was a gourmet cook and enjoyed sharing new recipes with family and friends. Colleagues, friends and family remember Ross as generous and caring in all his endeavors, a gracious host, an engaging conversationalist, and a gentleman of great integrity with a wonderful sense of humor. He valued people and his family above all else. Ross has passed on a steadfast legacy and will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06510. A memorial service will be held February 21, 2015 at the Sawgrass Country Club, 10034 Golf Club Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL at 4pm. Condolences and more information at rdsiragusamemorial@gmail.com. See more at: http:// bit.ly/1AtKqNY Services are under the direction of Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home.