Stephen John Ross

We are heartbroken to announce that Stephen John Ross, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on Cape Cod surrounded by his family on Friday, February 25, 2022, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 75.
Born in New London, CT, son of Myra O'Connell and John Ross, grew up in Greenfield, MA and Waterbury, CT. He was the third of four siblings. In 8th grade, he moved to Newton, MA where he completed high school.
He was known as Steve, to his wife Sue, his sisters Mary and Sue, his late brother Pat, and many in-laws. Dad, to Jess and her husband Dan, and Pat and his wife Jenny. Papa to Sophie, Lila, and Oscar. Uncle Steve to his many nieces and nephews. Scooper, to his crew of lifelong friends from Newton South High School.
A (ahem) prolific college student, Steve attended several area institutions, including Framingham State College, where he majored in math and met Sue Rinella, who would become his wife of 50 years.
Sue and Steve moved to Bourne, MA and started a family. On Cape Cod, he began his lifelong career as a carpenter. His love of math and his steadfast work ethic made carpentry a natural choice. He was always willing to teach his skills to young carpenters, family members, and anyone eager to learn.
In life and work, Steve was a masterful problem solver. For many friends and loved ones, he was their first call when they found themselves in a bind. He would obsess over a problem until he found an answer. He set about his work with quiet resolve and always knew when precision was required ("measure twice, cut once") and when it was not ("we aren't making pianos"). He never wavered until the job was done -- and done well.
His family was his life, but it was through his work that he showed his love. His friends and family were his customers, and his customers often became friends.
His spirit will live on in all those who learned from him, all whom he helped, and with all of his projects --built so sturdily and true, they will outlive us all.
A celebration of life for family and close friends will be held on Saturday, March 5, from 12:00- 2:00 pm at The Brookside Club, 11 Brigadoon Road • Bourne, MA 02532.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cape Kid Meals, PO Box 36, Forestdale, MA 02644 or at capekidmeals.org.