Larry L. Ross, transportation retiree
Larry L. Ross, 74, of Rehoboth Beach, formerly of Rockville, Md., and Washington, D.C., passed away Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, at home. He was born in Vandergrift, Pa., March 26, 1941, son of the late Merle E. and Margaret L. (Thomas) Ross.
Mr. Ross was a 1959 graduate of the Vandergrift Jr.-Sr. High School. From 1961 to 1966, he served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Northampton (CC-1) in Norfolk, Va., and the Defense Language Institute, East Coast Branch in Washington, D.C. Mr. Ross was honorably discharged as a Yeoman Second Class. He was also the recipient of the Navy Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal with ribbon.
In 1999, Mr. Ross retired from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration where he had been employed since 1966. During that time, he held various administrative and secretarial positions. In 1993, he was promoted to staff assistant to the executive director. Mr. Ross was the recipient of various awards including: the Distinguished Career Service Award, Certificate of Service Award (37 years), two Administrator's Awards for Superior Achievement and numerous Outstanding Performance Awards.
Mr. Ross was a lifetime member of the Victorian Vandergrift Museum and Historical Society Inc., a member of the USS Northampton CA-26/CLC-1/CC-1 Reunion Association, the U. S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., the American Legion and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
Mr. Ross was a friend of Epworth United Methodist Church, Rehoboth Beach, and a former member of the Assembly of God Church, Apollo, Pa.
Mr. Ross enjoyed the beach, traveling, attending southern gospel quartet concerts and conventions, music, theater, cooking and entertaining family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Ross was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. George L. Ross and Mr. and Mrs. Leo. L. Thomas; as well as several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his sister, Charmaine F. (Ross) Headlee and her husband David R. of Apollo; an aunt, Emmagene (Thomas) Bollinger of Vandergrift, Pa.; two nieces: Amanda M. Headlee and Andrea L. Headlee both of Pennsylvania; and many cousins, special friends and former co-workers.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 2 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will be held Monday, Aug. 24, at 1 p.m., at Greenwood Memorial Park, John F. Kennedy Veteran Section, 3820 Greenwood Road, Lower Burrell, Pa.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Ross’ memory to American Heart Association, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 101, Newark, DE 19713.
Please visit Mr. Ross’ Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
