George E. Ross Jr.

George E. Ross Jr., DVM, 89, of Ithaca, New York, veterinarian to area pet owners for more than 45 years, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. 

Dr. Ross was the owner of the Colonial Veterinary Hospital, now VCA Colonial Animal Hospital, 2369 North Triphammer Road, Ithaca. A surgical specialist, he was a Diplomate in the first class of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). 

George was born on April 22, 1936 in Coffeyville, Kansas. His family later moved to Shawnee Mission, Kansas, where he attended the same church and high school as the late Carol Kay Ross, his beloved wife of 67 years. They married on December 26, 1957. George received his veterinary degree from Kansas State University in 1960. An internship at the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University brought the couple to Ithaca, where they fell in love with the area. George was later appointed a Cornell faculty member and clinician.

In 1967, George and Kay bought an on old farm on Irish Settlement Road, and along with their three children, Don, Tom, and Amy, raised sheep, chickens, and geese and grew vegetables in a large garden. Longtime Dryden residents, the Rosses were active in the Dryden Presbyterian Church, scouts, and school sports and music.

In 1972, George started his own practice. His dedication to the highest standards of veterinary medicine and care and Kay’s steadfast support were instrumental in the success of “the CVH.” George and Tom, who took over the practice from his father, were the nation’s first father and son duo in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

After the children were grown, the couple made homes in Ithaca, on the lake in King Ferry, and most recently, at Library Place. They proudly attended all of their children’s and grandchildren’s events including many hockey, soccer, and baseball games, track and swimming meets, band concerts, plays, dance recitals, and high school and college graduations. George and Kay especially loved having their children and grandchildren gather with them at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

George was known for his huge smile, the sparkle in his eyes, his mischievous sense of humor and his hugs and unwavering support to all who loved him. He will be greatly missed.

Preceded in death by Kay, August 24, 2024, George is survived by his sister, Priscilla Shideler (John), Charlottesville, Virginia; his brother-in -law, Tom (Molly), Sun City Center, Florida; son Donald (Christine), Rochester, New York, son J. Thomas (Kathy) and daughter Amy Iles (David), Ithaca; grandchildren, David Iles (Kenna) Raleigh, North Carolina, Andy Iles (Erin) Mamaroneck, New York, Emily Annicharico (Paul), Chittenango, New York, Audrey Kwan (Kevin), Samammish, Washington, Sean Ross, Queens, New York, Gillian Ross, Boston, Massachusetts, Taylor Ross (Sarah) Weston Turville, United Kingdom, Kelsey Ross, Washington, DC; and great-grandchildren, Ava, Zara, and Mia Annicharico, Cameron, Mason, and Rory Iles, Miles and Oliver Kwan, and Penelope Ross.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 2, at Christ Chapel, 160 Graham Road, Ithaca, with the Rev. Steven Felker officiating.

Greeting of the family with light refreshments will be held immediately following the service. Burial will be in Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden.

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in George’s memory to Racker, an organization George and Kay supported for the superb services provided to their grandchildren and so many other community members in need or Christ Chapel, a community where George and Kay made many dear friends over the past several years.