Darrell L. Ross

1996 - 11

Darrell Laki Ross, 17, of South Connellsville, died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013. He was born Nov. 4, 1996, in Uniontown, a son of Darrel Ross and the late Kelly Lynn Casini Kirby, who passed away in 2011. Darrell was a well-known Connellsville Area High School junior. Darrell excelled in all sports, especially football, where he played the position wide receiver, and baseball, where he played right field and pitcher. He also played for the YMCA Basketball Teams as a youth and previous team member of the Diamond Dawgs Baseball Team, Pittsburgh. Darrell was charismatic and known for his quick wit and unique sense of humor. He enjoyed being with his many friends and fellow students and especially spending time with his maternal grandfather Pete "Pap" Casini, of South Connellsville, with whom Darrell resided. In addition to his father and maternal grandfather, Darrell is survived by a sister, Ja'Leia Janae Kirby; maternal grandparents, Betty and William Bellus, of Connellsville; maternal great-grandparents, Nada and Harry Bottomley, of Connellsville; a special aunt, Kris Casini Means and husband, Paul, of Connellsville; special cousins, Sara Showman and her daughter, Grace Hriscisce, of Dunbar; an uncle, Roger Myers, of Verona; several other aunts, uncles and cousins; and his extended family, Coach Dave McDonald (whom Darrell considered his mentor) and wife Janice and their daughters. In addition to his mother, Darrell was predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Irma Ross; and maternal grandmother, Lonnie Myers Casini. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the VITO C. MARTUCCI FUNERAL HOME, 123 S. First St., West Side, Connellsville, 724-628-9033. Additional visitation until 11 a.m. Wednesday, the hour of service, with the Rev. Doug Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Greenlick Cemetery. Following visitation hours Tuesday evening, a memorial service will be held at 8 p.m. in Connellsville Senior High School auditorium. To sign the online guest registry, visit our website at http://www.martuccifuneralhome.com.