Dr. Ross M. Herron Jr.

Ross M. Herron, Jr., M.D., of Manhattan Beach, Calif., died unexpectedly Monday, March 11, 2024. He was born August 20, 1960, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Betty Phillips Herron and Ross M. Herron. Ross graduated, with honors, from Trinity High School in Washington, in 1978, where he lettered in tennis and spoke at commencement as a class valedictorian. Known as "Tag" to his many friends and family, during his childhood and high school years, he enjoyed growing up in the North Franklin Grade School neighborhoods, where games of kickball, basketball, riding bicycles and snow sledding were among the many fun and memorable neighborhood activities. Dr. Herron received his undergraduate degree, with highest distinction, from the Pennsylvania State University, State College, in 1982. He received his medical degree, as one of the top three students in his class, from Cornell University Medical College, New York, N.Y., in 1986. He completed his internship and residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the University of California at Los Angeles Center for the Health Sciences from 1986-1991. During his fellowship year at UCLA, in 1991-1992, he functioned as the chief resident of clinical pathology with a UCLA faculty appointment as instructor in pathology. Dr. Herron joined the Southern California Region of the American Red Cross Blood Services in July 1992, after completing his fellowship in transfusion medicine at the UCLA Center for the Health Sciences, with board certification in Combined Anatomic and Clinical Pathology from the American Board of Pathology and special qualification in Transfusion Medicine / Blood Banking from the American Board of Pathology. He served as assistant medical director from August 1992 - January 1995, acting medical director from January 1995 - August 1995, medical director from August 1995 - March 2004, chief medical officer for the Southern California Region from March 2004 - January 2008, and chief medical officer of the West Division of American Red Cross Blood Services from January 2008 until August 2022. Dr. Herron retired in 2022 with 30 years of dedicated service. Dr. Herron was a member of the American Association of Blood Banks, California Blood Bank Society, College of American Pathologists, American Society of Clinical Pathology, American Medical Association, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, Phi Beta Kappa, Cornell University Medical College Alumni Association, and the Penn State Alumni Association. Throughout his life, he was known as being kind, compassionate, generous, and he served as a mentor for many in his career and personal life. His quick wit and sense of humor made those around him feel comfortable, and his ability to patiently explain a medical term was to be admired. He could be described as articulate, genuine, salt-of-the- earth. He was a wonderful brother and incredible friend to share a life with. He was a devoted husband and father who encouraged his children. In his true fashion, he researched the best type of dog for he and his family and Chief, a Bernese Mountain Dog, brought many years of companionship and conversation with other pet owners. His interests included sharing "fun facts" in emails to family, California native plant gardening and hummingbirds, playing paddle tennis, bodysurfing, camping and campfires, hiking, fly fishing, spending time with his family, and traveling with family and friends. He especially enjoyed the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands and the Eastern Sierras (high alpine lakes) in the autumn colors. He touched many lives, leaving a lasting impression. He will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife, Phoebe Miller Herron; son, Kyle Herron; daughter, Grace Herron of Manhattan Beach, Calif.; and a sister, Linda G. Herron (Roger Grout) of Ballston Spa, N.Y. A private burial will be held for immediate family. He will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, Calif. In memory of Dr. Herron, the family suggests making a blood donation to continue saving lives.