John Mason Ross

John Mason Ross, 81 of Lynnfield, died December 8 in Melrose after a long period of failing health. He was born in Bangor, Maine on October 26, 1933 and was the son of the late Harry F. and Margaret (Mason) Ross. Mr. Ross was raised and Bangor and also Rockland and Owls Head, Maine. Mr. Ross attended St. Mark's School of Southboro, MA and later graduated from Hebron Academy and Maine Maritime Academy in 1954. He served with the U.S. Navy as a LTJG on board LST's and LSD's and was Honorably discharged in 1956. He was employed over many years in many capacities in both Maine and Massachusetts. He had been the owner of Ross Motors and the Wharf Restaurant of Rockland, Maine prior to coming to Massachusetts in 1964. He worked for the Honeywell Corporation as a water treatment engineer and engaged in numerous other ventures in restaurants as well as commercial industrial real estate, the latest being the Begley Companies of Woburn. John enjoyed boating and resided on his 65 foot converted research vessel on Commercial Wharf in Boston for a number of years. In his younger years, he was an avid skier and had a lifetime pass to Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire as well as a ski lodge in Jackson, NH. He enjoyed gardening and shared a love of a number of dogs over the years and was particularly fond of Brittany spaniels as they were once called. He had many friends who will miss his wry wit. He is survived by his wife Janet W. (Hough) Ross and their two sons Bradley M. and his wife Karen of Medfield, MA and Brian C. of Cambridge. Also survived by his former wife Sylvia of Rockland, ME and their four children Judith Emery Schleder of Concord, OH and Hope, ME, John M. Ross, Jr. of Rockland, ME, James Michael and his wife Cindy of Thomaston, ME and Joseph D. of Rockland, ME. He was the brother of Frances Armato of Santa Rosa, CA and the late Mary Ross Finn, Margaret Joan Smith and Ann Ross Spiers. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held in the Centre Congregational Church, 5 Summer St., Lynnfield on Saturday, December 20 at 11:00. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory may be made to any Veteran's organization.