Harry Ross

With quiet strength, Harry Ross was a gentleman through and through whose faith was the foundation for which he lived. From raising his family, enjoying his career and to all he encountered, Harry was a man of integrity who graciously helped others through his kind and generous ways. A stranger to none and a friend of many, his pleasant, easy going nature naturally drew others to his side. A loving example for his children to live by, Harry will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Life was forever changed for America in 1941 with the attack on Pearl Harbor. As countless young servicemen and women were sent overseas, women entered the work force in droves. World War II was news of the day, and much was being done on the home front for the war effort. While manufacturing changed its primary focus towards the needs of war, those back home freed their minds from everyday worries as the entertainment industry made great strides. Yet in the bustling city of Detroit, Michigan, Wilton Charles “Pipi” and Lidwine “Mimi” (Pacquette) Ross experienced some changes of their own on the early spring day of April 29, 1941, when they welcomed the birth of their son, Harold “Harry” William Ross.

The Ross family made their home at 5636 Porter in Southwest Detroit where Harry would come to call home for 70 years of his life. He joined his older siblings, Larry, Bettsey, Gerry, and Pat and later welcomed younger siblings, Judy, Trudy, Bill, and Dave. With nine in tow, Harry’s parents worked hard to make a good home for their thriving household. His father was an electrician and ran a small residential electric contracting company called Western Electric while his mother had her hands full at home with their large family.

Harry was a young man of his generation. A lifelong member of Holy Redeemer Church where he received his early education, Harry thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of boyhood. He loved sports and from a young age he learned to love the sports of hunting and fishing, as well. During his childhood he spent memory filled summers in Mio, Michigan at their family cabin. This came to be Harry’s happy place where he picked wild blueberries by the quart with his siblings and sold them roadside for spending money. In his later years, Harry’s favorite dog was Suzi, his Yorkshire Terrier. She stole his heart and he could never bear to have another dog after she passed away.

After graduating from Holy Redeemer High School, Harry went on to attend the University of Detroit for three years where he studied engineering. Having become a licensed, Master Electrician like his father before him, Harry took pride in his work and was always willing to lend a helping hand for family and friends during his off hours. In fact, he even re-wired many of their homes throughout the years.

Harry met the young woman who would always hold his heart while attending an activity with the young adult’s club at church. After dating for a time, Harry and his beautiful bride, Marie exchanged wedding vows in 1965 at Holy Redeemer Church in Southwest Detroit, his family church. At the age of 24 he moved from his childhood home to begin married life with Marie only to return there two years later to raise their own family from 1967 through to 2013.

With much in common, Harry and Marie spent enjoyable times together sharing a lot of activities such as playing softball, bowling and even deer hunting. Before long they welcomed the love and blessing of children into their lives with the births of four fine sons. Greg came along in 1966, Ken in 1967 followed by Jeff in 1973. In 1974 their son, Tim completed their family. Family vacations and other special family occasions were always enjoyed over the years. Harry loved fishing in the summer and deer hunting in the fall with the boys taking an interest. Of course, with Harry being an avid sports fan, especially as a lifelong fan of the Detroit Pistons, his sons followed suit in this capacity, as well which they often enjoyed together. Softball, basketball and swimming were big on Harry’s list. He was an avid bow hunter and when it came to hunting, he often did so for deer, pheasant, and turkey. Harry had many stories of his exciting adventures in the woods.

Church was a source of strength and comfort for Harry. He had many friends there and for many years he was a member of the Usher’s Club. Harry had a volunteer spirit, serving as past president of the Dad’s Club, was active for many years in the Knights of Columbus, St. Paul Council, calling bingo every Wednesday night for many years and serving a number of leadership roles, including Grand Knight.

It was truly a joy to share Harry’s company. He certainly possessed the typical, “Ross sense of humor”, and he especially loved to sneak a pun or two into any given conversation. In his free time he enjoyed working on crossword puzzles and when it came to music, Harry loved the sounds of Barbra Streisand, Johnny Mathis, and Neil Diamond. A gentle and kind hearted man, at family gatherings the children always gravitated towards “Uncle Harry”. He absolutely loved all the babies in the family and at these gatherings, one could always be found in his arms.

Often described as a kind gentleman, Harry Ross was quiet in nature and generous with his time and talents. He lived by way of example, and he loved his family who brought him the greatest joy. Harry could always be counted on. He lived with integrity, honor, and with a strong work ethic. Although gone from love’s embrace, the heart of Harry lives on in the memories he leaves behind.

Harold W. Ross, 77, passed away April 22, 2019. Beloved husband of Marie; cherished father of Gregory (Cyndi), Kenneth (Brian Huggler), Jeffrey (Maggie), and Timothy (Yvette); loving grandfather of Haley, Alex, Olivia, Miriam, Benjamin, Antonia, Jordan, Jade, Jazmin, Jacalyn, and Jaxon; adored brother of Patricia Smith, Trudy (Ken) Grabowski, David (Kathy), and the late Larry, Gerry, Bettsey Ouellette, Billy, and Judy Pietruszka; dearest brother-in-law of Joyce Ross, Barbara Ross, and the late Ron Ouellette, and Toby Pietruszka. A visitation will be held Thursday, 1-8 pm with a Rosary at 7:00 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Road, Livonia. The Funeral Mass will be held Friday, 10:00 am with an instate beginning at 9:30 am at Most Holy Redeemer Church, 1721 Junction Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, 48209. In lieu of flowers donations are to be made to Holy Redeemer Grade School or Henry Ford Hospice.