Ross Howard Rhoads

Ross Howard Rhoads, 86, of Hagerstown, MD, passed away, Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Doey's House.
Born Thursday, September 21, 1939, in New Orleans, LA, he was the son of the late Howard E. "Dusty" Rhoads and the late Oda Mae (Tracy) Rhoads.
Ross worked for Mack Trucks for over 40 years, from 1959 to 1999. Starting as a Student Engineer in the Engine Development Lab in Plainfield NJ. He relocated to Hagerstown in the early 60"s. In the early 70's he spent one year working out of the Hayward CA truck assembly plant during the introduction of the new Mack V8 engine, returning to Hagerstown in 1972. In 1976 he was transferred to New Cumberland PA. to manage a new engine remanufacturing facility. By 1980 that business had grown substantially and a new larger facility was built in Middletown PA. In 1986 Ross was promoted to General Manager of the Power Train Div. in Hagerstown. In 1998 he was transferred to Allentown and retired at the end of 1999.
While in Hagerstown he was active in many organizations including: the Chamber of Commerce, Chief, Economic Development Commission, Greater Hagerstown Committee, United Way (Past President),San Mar Children's Home, Leadership Hagerstown (Past Chairman) and Leadership Washington County (Past Chairman). Fountainhead Country Club (Past President) and the Community Foundation of Washington County (Past Chairman). He was also a member of the Hagerstown Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow.
He is survived by his step son, Michael Rowe and wife Laura and their children Samantha and Morgan, significant other, Diana L. McCauley and her daughter Jennifer B. McCauley and her partner Tim, brother-in-law, Larry Lintner and nieces and nephews, Dana, Jed, Quincy and Tyler.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Tracy Lintner.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 3:00 PM at the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Blvd. North Hagerstown, MD.
Family will receive friends following the service at Fountain Head Country Club 13316 Fountain Head Road, Hagerstown, MD.
Interment will be private.
The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and CNA's at Doey's House for taking wonderful care of Ross and comfort they gave to the family.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Doey's House c/o Hospice of Washington County 1710 Underpass Way, Suite 300, Hagerstown, MD 21740.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.douglasfiery.com