....... Leominster

LEOMINSTER: U.S. Marine Captain Ross A. Reynolds, 27, of Hampstead, NC, formerly of Leominster, died Friday, March 19, 2022 as a result of injuries sustained when his Osprey aircraft went down in the Arctic Circle in Norway. He and his "Raging Bulls" squadron were participating in NATO training exercises at the time. Ross was born in Leominster, March 3, 1995, the son of Scott A. and Catherine H. (Biron) Reynolds and was a 2013 graduate of Leominster High School. While in high school he was a member of the National Honor Society graduating with Honors. He attended the Boys State Civic leadership program and competed on the wrestling and soccer teams, and the LHS Devil Dogs Robotics club. Ross had an innate desire to serve. He joined Scouts at an early age and through dedication to his community and grit he obtained the status of Eagle Scout in 2011, scouting's highest honor. While at the B.S.A. Camp Wanocksett, Ross was a dedicated staff member for 8 years and an active member of the Order of the Arrow serving in roles on the Gischachsummen team related inductions and ceremonies. He also attended the National Order of the Arrow Conference in 2012. He loved hiking, camping, and boating. Some of his fondest memories were of times spent at the lake at Camp Wanocksett. Ross continued his education at Worcester State College graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. degree in the Criminal Justice Program. While at Worcester State, Ross was as a Presidential Student Ambassador and represented WSU abroad in the new partnership with the Letterkenny Inst. of Technology in Ireland and England. He also represented the University by attending a national conference in Washington D.C. He began his military career in the NROTC program at Holy Cross and was commissioned as a Marine 2nd Lt. Officer on May 13th, 2017. Ross' dreams and ambitions were boundless, and they took him to the sky as he earned his "wings" as an Osprey pilot in 2020. He was stationed at M.C.A.S. New River and achieved his Captain rank. He was assigned to the VMM-261 Osprey squadron. His decorations included the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment ribbon, and a Navy Arctic Service ribbon. Ross is fondly remembered for his infectious smile, that lit up every room he walked into. He was always ready to serve when called upon without hesitation. He truly achieved all of his dreams and aspirations which is part of his incredible legacy. In addition to his parents of Leominster, Ross leaves his loving and adoring wife, Lana E. (Wando) Reynolds of Hampstead, NC; his sister and brother-in-law, Nicole A. and Anthony J. Bilotta II; two nieces, Lilah A. and Fiona R. Bilotta; his mother and father-in-law, Lisa C. and Thomas D. Wando, brother-in-law, Caleb T. Wando, sisters-in-law, Mireille L., Caroline A. and Susanna M. Wando; his aunt and uncle, Laura M. and David M. Reynolds, cousins, Emma M. and Lydia R. Reynolds, Uncle Douglas M. Biron and cousin, Brett R. Biron. He also leaves his beloved dog, Frodo and his two cherished cats, Merry & Pippin. Ross was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Arthur R. and Rita B. (LeBlanc) Biron; his paternal grandparents, Francis C. and Frances M. (Bellio) Reynolds and his Aunt, Cheryl Wyman.

Ross' casket will lie in state in the Tata Auditorium at Leominster City Hall, 25 West Street, Leominster on April 4, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. On April 5th Ross' casket will be transferred from Leominster City Hall to St. Cecilia's Church, 180 Mechanic Street, Leominster for an 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial. Those wishing to attend Mass please proceed directly to church. Interment will be at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery, Winchendon and will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: www.wingmanfoundation.org/vmm261-raging-bulls or www.Massfallenheros.org. The Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon Street, Fitchburg is assisting the family with arrangements. For additional information or to leave an online condolence, please visit their website at www.andersonfuneral.com.

View the online memorial for Capt. Ross A. Reynolds, USMC