Patsy J. Ross

1920 - 05

Patsy J. "Pat" Ross, 93, of Scottdale, passed away Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013, at his home. Patsy was born May 20, 1920, in Tarrs, a son of the late John P. and Ruth L. Ross. He graduated from the former Scottdale High School in 1939 and married Anna Mary "Mame" Hernley, June 27, 1942. He was a member of the Partner Parish of St. John the Baptist Church in Scottdale. While attending high school, Patsy worked in a coal mine and spent only one day a week in class, yet he managed to earn all perfect scores, finishing at the top of his class. He joined the Navy in June 1944, and served in every theater of World War II. His time in the service took him to Casablanca in North Africa, to Naples, Pompeii, Pisa, and Sicily in Italy, Dover and Isle of Grain in England, Belgium, Gibraltar, Panama and Manilla in the Philippines. Some of the ships he served on were the SS Oliver H. Perry, SS Salmon Falls, SS Pine Bluff and the USS Dutchess. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in February 1946. On his return to civilian life, Patsy worked in Scottdale, Cleveland, Ohio, and Somerset until 1959 when he and Mame moved to Florida, where they frequently treated their great-nieces and -nephews to trips to Disney World and Pat taught them to swim. At the time of his retirement in 1982 he was general manager and vice president of Florida Filters. After his retirement, he and Mame moved back to Scottdale to be near their families, much to the delight of their nieces and nephews who considered Pat to be their "bonus" father and grandfather. Whether in Florida, or in Scottdale after their retirement, Uncle Pat and Aunt Mamie's home was always the fun place to be where you knew you'd be greeted with big hugs and lots of love and they could hardly wait for their "kids" to arrive. In Florida, Patsy was known as the man with the green thumb, the go-to guy for advice on growing just about anything. He grew many exotic ferns and orchids and fruit trees. When he and Mame relocated to Scottdale he painstakingly removed and refinished every piece of woodwork in their newly-purchased retirement home. As a result of this work, he began a new hobby refinishing antique furniture, which he continued until he was no longer physically able. In addition, he enjoyed golfing for many years and he and Mame were longtime members of the Laurel Swingers Square Dance Club, where they enjoyed spending time and making new friends. For a number of years, Thursday night was spaghetti night at Mamie and Pat's for extended family. Every other Sunday night they also hosted the family for dinner. Pat was a loving, generous man with a big heart. He gave much of his time and his heart to those he cared about. With his calm demeanor, even temper and wisdom, he always knew just how to handle any situation, whether in the family, the neighborhood or on the job. Something Pat was always very proud of was his years as a basketball coach in the Scottdale area. In the late '40s, he coached the basketball team at Scottdale Junior High School and in 1950 he was co-coach of a local undefeated team that challenged a basketball team comprised of Pittsburgh Steelers. He will be sadly missed by his many nieces and nephews, including Patricia L. Bailey and Richard Johnson and wife, Ruth, all of Scottdale, and Virginia Jack and husband, Terry, of Friedens; and his great-nieces and great-nephews. His passing also will leave a void in the lives of his many friends, especially Nina and Jim Phillips and Maria and Frank Barberio and their respective families, all of Virginia, whom he considered family. In addition to his parents and his wife of 65 years, Anna Mary "Mame" Ross, who died Sept. 4, 2006, Patsy was predeceased by his infant son, Patsy J. Ross Jr. (Aug. 21, 1946); his brothers, Bludge S., John A. and (in infancy) Frank Ross; sisters, Josephine M. Ross, Ann Hershberger, Rose M. Thompson and Marie R. Brown; and a special sister-in-law, Larue H. Johnson. The date and time of funeral arrangements will be announced in January. The family is planning a funeral Mass at the Partner Parish of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Scottdale, followed by inurnment with military honors at Green Ridge Memorial Park. Arrangements are in the care of GRAFT-JACQUILLARD FUNERAL and CREMATION SERVICES INC., 303 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale. For additional information or to offer a condolence, please visit ww.gjfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Westmoreland County Food Bank, 100 Devonshire Drive, Delmont, PA 15626.