David A. Ross

David Albert Ross, 84, died on January 15, 2026, surrounded by family and at peace. Known to friends as Dave and to family as "Pop-Pop," he was a man of large appetites, legendary humor, and a huge heart. From the gritty corners of South Philly to the neon nightlife of Atlantic City to the suburban sidelines and stages of his grandchildren's many milestones, Dave's playful and undeniable presence was felt by almost every life he touched.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Yeadon, PA, Dave was an elite athlete who played running back for the Army football team as a West Point cadet after a recommendation by a sitting U.S. congressman. Following a knee injury in his second year, he left the Academy and later served in the Army Reserve, from which he was honorably discharged.

For many years, Dave was a South Philly fixture as the owner and operator of the Exxon gas and service station at 20th and Oregon, located blocks from Veterans Stadium, home of his beloved Eagles. He was so well known and loved that a local hoagie shop named "The Dave Special" in his honor - a massive tuna sub with hot peppers and extra onions that few but Dave could finish in a single sitting.

Dave raised families in the Philly suburbs and Brigantine, NJ, before settling in Atlantic City, dealing craps and blackjack, and tending bar. During his years in the AC nightlife, he became a renowned figure among patrons and staff, who affectionately pronounced him "The Real Mayor of Atlantic City." He was on a first-name basis with the counter guys at the original White House Subs on Arctic.

In his later years, Dave moved to Doylestown, PA, to be closer to his growing family while maintaining strong ties with his children and family in the Garden State. He became a proud fixture in the lives of his family, never missing a birthday or backyard barbecue. Whether it was a ballgame or a dance recital, he was always there to offer the loudest cheer from the crowd.

A lifelong fan, Dave bled Phillies Red and Eagles Green. He was at Franklin Field in 1960 to see the Eagles defeat his hero, Vince Lombardi, for the NFL Championship. Decades later, he was in the stands with his son, Dave, in a frigid Minneapolis to see them finally capture their first Super Bowl title in 2018. When not reading from his extensive library of Stephen King novels, he maintained a Fantasy Football portfolio that was truly massive and often unbeaten.

Dave is survived by his children: David J. Ross (Tess), Debi L. Mullen (Jeff), Donna L. Patro, Denise L. Nahoom, Robin L. Anton, and Natalie J. Carroccia; his beloved son-in-law, Jeff Mullen; his 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; dear friend Sandra Ross (sister-in-law); and Barbara Jones. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Lillian Ross; his siblings Bobby, Al, Steve, and Dot; and Jane Brown.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Alphonsus Church, 1571 Temple Drive Maple Glen, PA 19002. Family will share Words of Remembrance at 11:00AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:15 AM. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed, on St. Alphonsus Church website, https://stalphonsusparish.org/. Interment will be Private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in honor of Dave's great-grandson to the Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation (NSF). Donations may be made online at https://bit.ly/DaveRossNSFMemorial, or by check payable to Social Good Fund / NSF, mailed to: The Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation, c/o Andi Callaway, 325 Marks Road, Alamo, CA 94507.