Ross Alexander Whitley

Ross Alexander Whitley was born on June 5, 1989, in Bristol, Pennsylvania—and from that moment on, the world became a little brighter.

Ross grew up in Croydon, PA, and spent his childhood riding bikes, playing Little League Baseball and becoming an Eagle Scout with troop 180. Countless summer days were spent at Crazy Acres with his family and friends creating memories full of laughter and adventure.

Ross worked at Croydon Pizza, Camp Ockanickon, and Whitewater Challengers, always making new connections and leaving lasting impressions. He graduated from Bucks County Technical High School in 2007.

After high school, Ross enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, spending time in South Korea, Alaska, and California. Ross served with distinction, including deployments to the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, northern New Jersey, and Philadelphia.

From California Ross followed in his mother's footsteps and set out on a solo, cross-country motorbike ride home. On his return to the East coast, he continued his service in the U.S. Air Force Reserves at Fort McGuire, and later with the Air National Guard Reserves out of Willow Grove Air Base—always building community, always leaving a mark. 

Ross most recently set roots in Falls Church, Virginia, and joined the Department of the Interior, where he was proud to be part of a team doing good work to reclaim and rehabilitate coal mines. During this time, he continued to fill his life with unforgettable people and experiences: Halloween adventures in Key West with Johnny, spring training trips to Clearwater with his uncles Bruce and David, trips to spain with cousin Peter, Mummers day traditions with friends and family, paddling all the best local rivers, and nights around the campfire. Among the many communities that embraced Ross along his journey and left their impact on him are the Philadelphia Freemasons, the Hash House Harriers international running club, Philadelphia Canoe Club, and the Pocket Like It's Hot APA league team.

In January 2025, Ross was elated to share his experience in a new professional adventure with the Department of Defense. Shortly afterward, he received the devastating news of stage 4 cancer.Despite the diagnosis—and even after doctors had given up—Ross fought with everything he had. He wasn’t ready to let go of the people, the moments, and the adventures he loved so deeply.

In his lifetime he fought for our country and for us. His battle with cancer had him fighting valiantly for one more chance to be with his friends and family. 

One more canyon to climb. One more mountain to ski. One more river to paddle. One more continent to explore. One more connection to make. One more steak, one more whiskey, one more laugh, one more song, and one more dance with the people who filled his life with love. 

Wherever Ross went, he brought light, joy, and laughter into every room and every heart. On September 1, 2025, that light was dimmed far too soon. 

He is deeply missed by his parents, Eugene J. Whitley (Maureen) and April Whitley; his sisters, Samantha, Ellen, and Flurf; his cousins Johnny and Rachel and many more, aunts, uncles, fellow servicemen, colleagues and the countless friends he made and held dear throughout his life.

 Ross left this world at just 36 years old, but in that short time, he built a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable friendship.

Be like Ross.

Celebrate life. Seek beauty. Embrace the unknown.

Stay awesome.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in the Morrisville United Methodist Church, 501 W. Maple Ave., Morrisville, PA 19067. A funeral service will begin at 12 noon in the church. Interment will be held privately at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown.

Arrangements are entrusted to the J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel Morrisville, PA.