Final Salute

Donald Joseph Ross, 86, of Cumberland, Maryland passed away with a loving heart for his wife, Marlene, and family on July 7, 2023.
Mr. Ross was known to his friends as Don and to his family as Dad, Buddy and Pap-Pap Buddy. Don was also called “David Jeffry” by his boss at Kelly. Don was born in Avilton, MD on June 14, 1937, to the late George and Pauline (McKenzie) Ross, in addition to his parents he was proceeded in death by his sister, Jean Dickel, and a son, Jeffry Ross.
As a young boy, Don earned the reputation as a hard worker picking coal and blackberries and delivering chickens and watermelons in Lonaconing. He attended seminary for the first two years of high school at St. Charles Seminary, before he met the love of his life which led to a calling in marriage with Marlene (Kamp) Ross for 65 years.
Don graduated from Valley High School, Lonaconing, MD in 1955. After high school Don earned his electrician apprenticeship and joined the United States Navy Seabees as a Sergeant. He was stationed in Iceland for two years before spending the next 45 years as the Electrician and Foreman at the Kelly Springfield Tire Company. Around the community, Don was known for being able to fix anything with a piece of gum and a paper clip.
Don was always eager to travel to attend his kids and grandkids sports to watch them play football, basketball, baseball, softball, lacrosse, run track and cheerlead while reading a western on the sidelines. After Don retired from the Kelly, he traveled the world with Marlene to the Holy Land, Ireland, France, and Portugal.
When he was not traveling, he loved to babysit his grandkids and work in his workshop making woodwork items and leather purses for his grandkids. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Alhambra #89 where he volunteered to work community fundraiser events.
Mr. Ross is survived by his wife, Marlene Ross, brother, Dale Ross of Huntsville, AL, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Jana (Ross) Goodney of, husband Robert, and children Gabriel, Dominic, and Olivia of Columbia, MD; Tracy (Ross) Mendez, husband Larry, and children Ross and McKenzie of Glenn Burnie, MD; John Ross, wife Anita (Robinson) and children Caleb, Abagail, and Cole of Apopka, FL; Donna (Ross) Herrman, husband Tom and children Connor and Elizabeth, of Wichita, KS; Joe Ross, wife Sherri (Blank) and children JP, Lilah, and Joey of Huntsville, AL; and Wendy (Digilarmo) widow of Jeff Ross and children Ryan and Nicole and great grandson Jeffry of Cumberland, MD. No one escaped Buddy’s presence without getting poked with his wicked strong finger in the middle of the chest.
On Saturday July 15, a rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m., visitation will follow from 10-11:00 a.m., and Mass of the Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Cumberland. Following mass military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 13 Honor Guard.
A committal service will be held on Monday, July 17 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Cumberland, MD.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald, please visit our floral store.

Published by Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A. – Cumberland from Jul. 9 to Jul. 10, 2023.