ALLEN ROSS

ROSS--Allen Jay, died on April 17, 2021 at home surrounded by family after a life well lived. He was 88. Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1933, he attended the Little Red School House and was Bar Mitzvah'd by Rabbi Mordicai Kaplan at the Society for Advancement Judaism. He was always proud of this as it represented him well as the modern thinker that he was. Allen was known as "Mr. Republican" and a leading politician through his time at The Horace Mann School, '51. His dream was to pursue a life in politics but he was a man of duty and followed into the family business. After graduation from Rutgers University, '55, he enlisted in the Navy reporting to the USS Salem C-139 in the South of France. The USS Salem C-139 was the last big gun cruiser and served as the flagship Sixth Fleet with a four star Admiral "Ace" Lyons at its helm. Being a credit to his uniform and a good citizen of the United States of America gave him his wings. He came back to the USA to begin his distinguished career in the meat industry starting at Hygrade Food Products, a family owned business built by his grandfather Samuel Slotkin in 1914. That gave him his roots. One of the top five meat packers, their loyalty remained with the frankfurter; known for creating the first all beef hot dog. In the late fifties, Hygrade ball park franks became exclusive to Detroit Tiger Stadium around the time our family migrated from NYC to Detroit. He was deeply impacted by the loss of his father at a young age (rheumatism of the heart following survival of the Spanish Flu). Raised by a single mother and his grandparents for seven years until his beloved stepfather, Benjamin Hyman, MD joined the family. He grew up extremely close with his brother, Martin Henry Ross (predeceased) as well as his Slotkin, Ross and Bilgore cousins. They summered together on the Jersey Shore in the towns of Elberon, Deal and Little Silver and remained close throughout his life. He began his career in the beef end of the business ultimately to follow his father's love of the sausage focusing on processed beef and natural casings. He married Brooke Alison Roberts (Grace) of New York City in 1965 and had twin daughters in 1966. His grandmother Fanny Slotkin 'knew that he would be a credit to Hygrade Food Products to help hold the good name of the empire which his grandfather built, and wished he become a good husband, a good father... everything good should follow wherever you turn and happiness should prevail in your household'... He was that and more. He was a gentlemen's gentleman and a man of action with a strong moral compass and we learned by example. His greatest legacy was his character and his joie de vivre. He stood for decency, embodied love and warmth, charm and had great presence. His impact was vast. He led our family and others with grace and wisdom. He was honorable, loved and admired. Within minutes of entering a room, people gravitated towards him. He was charitable in hls life with a focus on education. He supported Detroit's inner city schools with books and hot dogs. While at University, he was doing a study on the workers rebellion of the 17th/18th centuries, he couldn't find any books on this subject. The librarian told him to go to Princeton University Library for the book he needed. He never forgot this and went on to create the Allen Jay Ross Library endowment at Rutgers, 1958. The income has purchased many thousands of history books for generations of students. He was active most of his life in cultural and civic affairs. Even as a transplanted New Yorker, he was deeply involved in his community of Detroit, supporting most specifically The Music Hall, for almost 40 years. He recently passed his Trustee baton to his twin daughters to whom he was deeply devoted, Amanda Ross Bacon and Alison Ross Green. Ever the optimist at 70, believing in the revival of Detroit, he moved downtown. He became President of Detroit Towers Condo Association and was a Director of the Villages of Detroit. Allen was Preservation Trustee of the Detroit Yacht Club. He was a member of the DAC, The Prismatic Club of Detroit and Franklin Hills Country Club. In addition to his wife Judy, he is survived by his twin daughters, Alison and Amanda, his son in laws, Jonathan Green and Zack Bacon and his grandsons Oliver Green, Charles Green and Samuel Green. In addition, by his nieces Katherine Ross (Govan), Jane Ross (Yaffe), David Ross (Amy), their families and predeceased by his beloved niece, Constance Lynn Ross. Contributions in Allen's memory may be directed to the Music Hall of Detroit. https://musichall.networkforgood.com