Arthur Francis Ross, Formerly of New London, Passed Away on March 23

Obituary courtesy of Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home.

Arthur Francis Ross, 90, died peacefully on March 23, 2015, at Bridebrook Nursing Home in Niantic after a brief illness, surrounded by family.

Arthur was born on Oct 26, 1924, in New London, to Arthur Sterling and Gertrude Delap Ross. He grew up in New London, graduating from Bulkeley High School in 1944.

Art is predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Edna (Farrell) and his two sisters, Mildred Ross and Elizabeth McCourt. He is survived by their five children, Arthur J. Ross (Lyndi) of Simsbury, Michael J. Ross (Jeanne) of Westbrook, Peter F. Ross (Connie) of Old Lyme, Jeanne M. Provenzano (Larry) of Garden City, N.Y., and William B. Ross (Cora) of Marlborough, Conn. Art is also survived by his eleven grandchildren, Emily and Rebecca Ross, Kelley and Caralyn Ross, Marcie Quinn, Marissa, Rachel and Erin Ross, Kathryn Nicholson (Jeffrey), Mary Provenzano and Christopher Provenzano, and one great-grandchild, Benjamin Nicholson.

Art was a devoted family man and his life’s focus was dedicated to supporting his wife, children and grandchildren. Their happiness, achievements, and successes were his most cherished rewards. The Family was blessed to witness first hand Art’s commitment, loyalty and unwavering support to family. He was and will continue to be a terrific role model for many as a selfless caregiver, husband, and father.

Art worked for the US Postal Service for thirty-three years, retiring in 1986. Throughout his years in the Post Office, he worked as a clerk, a carrier, a supervisor, retiring as an Assistant Postmaster in Groton. One of his favorite jobs while in the Post Office was as the Supervisor of the now closed Noank Post Office, a one-man job he held for several years.

Art was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Seaside Council #17, attaining the position of 4th Degree. During his time with the Knights, he held several positions, including Grand Knight of the Seaside Council. He stepped down a few years ago from active participation, when he gave up the position of Recording Secretary.

Art was a lifelong Roman Catholic and communicant for over fifty-years at St Paul’s in Chains Roman Catholic Church, Waterford.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Friday in St. Paul Church. Entombment will follow in St. Mary Mausoleum. There will be a calling hour prior to the Mass from 8:30 to 9:30 at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic, CT 06357.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Arthur’s name be made to the Center for Hospice Care, hospicesect.org, 227 Dunham Street, Norwich, CT.

Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com for directions or to sign the family’s online guestbook.