FORT EDWARD -

David J. Ross Jr. passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 4, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.
Born August 19, 1936, in Fort Edward, David was the son of David and Fannie (Caputo) Ross.
David graduated from St. John’s Academy High School in Plattsburgh, NY, where he played baritone in The All County Band and was an outstanding football player. Along with music and sports, he served as an alter boy for St. John’s Church through high school.
Although his athletic abilities awarded him a full scholarship in football at St. Michael’s College in Burlington, VT, he decided to attend Plattsburgh State University where he received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Education. He played college soccer for 3 years and participated in 3 operettas including Oklahoma, Of Thee I Sing and Carousel.
Entering college, he met the love of his life, Nancy Bezio. Their life began together by a chance encounter on Plattsburgh State Beach. After 5 years of dating, they married and shared a beautiful life together for 55 years.
David began his teaching career at a young age of 22 at Fort Edward Jr. High School where he was a Math teacher for 33 years. He proved to be a natural born teacher and loved his job. “ I never thought there was a bad student.” Not only did he provide an engaging classroom, he was there for his students outside of the classroom. He made learning math fun and his door was always open. He was loved and respected as a teacher and it was not uncommon for students to linger after classes to “shoot the breeze.”
He was recognized Riverside Schoolhouse Honoree in 2001 which is on display at The Old Fort Museum to this day.
His love and enthusiasm for sports led him into coaching. He was an Assistant Football Coach going twice to the super bowl and Varsity Basketball Coach for many years. In 1976, the boys Varsity Basketball team won Sectionals and were named Class D Champions. At this time, there weren’t state level competitions. Along with coaching, he ran a summer boys basketball program for high schoolers and Bowling Club. He is founder of Junior Bowling at Pine Lanes, as its known today.
David was an avid bowler. This is where he coined the name “The Rocket.” He was televised several times throughout his bowling career on local shows broadcast on channel 6 and 13 and King of the Hill on TV Tournament Time several times as well. In early years, he bowled professionally for a Canadian team. He bowled in National Tournaments 25 times and he was inducted into The Glens Falls Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1983. He served as President of the Glens Falls Men’s Bowling Association for several years. After retiring from teaching, he opened Rocket’s Pro Shop. The family still wonders if customers came for the quality of his work or conversation.
Keeping on the theme of sports, he umpired baseball for 20 years. He was an interpreter for The Baseball Umpires Association at the high school level. He played pitcher for a slow pitch softball league on The Anvil Inn Team and medium pitch Queensbury league winning championships with ‘ol pals.
During the summer, he held jobs such as a pinkerton in Lake George and Saratoga Race Track, life guard at The Fort Edward Public Pool and volunteer as a FE Little League coach.
He was a member of The Vagabond Drum and Bugle Corps. where he played baritone and toured nationally with numerous solos in major events. He was on The Teachers Negotiating Committee and served as treasurer for FE Teachers Assoc. for many years. He was also a member of The Elks Club B.P.O.E. # 2680 serving as Exalted Ruler for 3 terms, which is unheard of. He was a member of The Elks Club B.P.O.E. # 81, member and supporter of The Knights of Columbus, Idle Hour Club, The Zoning Board of Fort Edward and a communicant of St. Josephs Church.
His interests through his lifetime included love of family, friends, his students and community. He enjoyed socializing, fishing, golfing, boating, and following sports. He was a NY Giants and avid New York Yankee fan. His knowledge of sports, especially the Yankees was beyond measure. He could maintain a conversation on any level whether it be sports, religion or politics. He will always be remembered for his support, encouragement, generosity and great sense of humor, in the classroom, on the court/field, or in social gatherings.
David was predeceased by his son, David J. Ross III; granddaughter Amber Lee Ross; his parents David and Fannie Ross.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Nancy Lee Ross of Fort Edward; his son, Mark P. Ross of Comstock: his daughter, Nanette Hammond and her husband Michael of Queensbury; his grandchildren, Mark P. Ross Jr., Mitchell Hammond, Rachel Hammond and Gabrielle Hammond; his loving sister Judith A. Ross of Glens Falls; as well as numerous cousins and dear friends.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828. To leave online condolences or to view David’s Book of Memories, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Church, 164 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828, with the Rev. Martin Fisher officiating.
Interment will take place at a date to be determined in the spring.
Memorial contributions in David’s name can be made to The Fort Edward Rescue Squad, PO Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828 or The Fort Edward Food Pantry, c/o Fort Edward Village Baptist Church, 131 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828.

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