William A. Ross cast off his lines for his final voyage in the early morning hours of April 20. This passage, like all his adventures, showed us the grace, competence and humility with which he lived. His final preparations were made while staying on the blissful horse farm of his friend Diane Davidson.
Bill explained that he departs with no regrets and that he had done all he wished in life. He said that he had been blessed with many great friends who cared for him deeply.
Bill had numerous achievements over his 84 years, including a successful business, Ross Equipment, Elizabeth. He was an accomplished pilot, flying more than 14 different planes. He was instrument rated and an acrobatic pilot. He was a skier and an avid sailor who had sailing adventures all over the world.
Bill was a founding member of The La Trappe Creek Historical and Ecological Society and a member of both the Raritan Yacht Club in Perth Amboy and the Marathon Yacht Club in Marathon, Florida. He was stage manager for several productions at the Marathon Community Theater. Bill served in the Coast Guard and provided port security in NY harbor during the Korean conflict.
He would like to have thanked all of his friends for a great life, but his bags were packed, the tide would not wait and it was time for him to start his next adventure.
Bill was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, in 1931, and grew up in Elizabeth, graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in the Class of 1949. He spent 16 years living in Perth Amboy before moving to Marathon, Florida, in 1992.
He was predeceased by Joan, his wife of more than fifty-four years, and his son, Wayne. Bill leaves ashore his son, Ronald; granddaughter, Coleen; and sister, Dorothy; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Please consider sending a donation in his name to the Marathon Community Theatre, 5101 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. Please visit Bill’s memorial website at www.johnedayfuneralhome.com
