Ernest H. Ross

Ernest H. "Ernie" Ross, 83, of Sanford, died on Sunday, August 2, 2015 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, surrounded by his loving family. Ernie was born on July 12, 1932 to Alonzo and Rose (Costello) Ross. His mother was his 'rock' whose devotion to him was complete. Ernie grew up in Sanford where he attended local schools, graduating from Sanford High School in 1950. Following high school he attended Higgins Classical Institute in Charleston, Maine before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He proudly served for four years during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Bordeaux, France 3 years. During his time overseas, Ernie travelled to various countries, always in demand when teams were looking for a strong shortstop. His reputation preceded him. After completing his enlistment he went on to Morris Harvey College in West Virginia, majoring in physical education. In 1957, he married Shirley Boudreau and together they raised four children, sharing 57 1/2 years of marriage. During his working life, Ernie was employed by Pioneer Plastics, John Hancock Life Insurance, and WASCO Products. Upon his retirement, he studied to become a certified fitness trainer at the local YMCA. A life-long fitness buff, his work at the Y gave him a great deal of satisfaction doing what he enjoyed the most... helping people. When health prevented his continuing employment at the Y, he nevertheless continued to be one of their regulars. As a very small child, his Uncle Henry Costello taught him how to hold a bat and hit a ball. From that moment on, Ernie fell in love with the game of baseball. He played wherever he could find a game, from sandlots, to grammar school, high school and then college. He was an all-star baseball player, worthy of being inducted into any baseball hall of fame. Recently, he told his wife, "You know, I have my own Hall of Fame...and that's you, our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren." Following his Air Force service, he then joined local men's baseball and softball leagues, always "looking for a game". He finally hung up his glove at the age of 55. Ernie was a loving, caring family man, with a strong sense of humor. One of his friends said it best when he said "Ernie was so easy to be around." Ernie loved his God. His expression of faith was through the Catholic Church. He was a communicant of St. Therse of Lisieux Parish where he had sung in the church choir, and been a lector. He had also been active in the Cursillo movement as a leader for 15 years, and was a 3rd degree Knights of Columbus. Ernie was a fitness buff and enjoyed physical fitness activities. He liked taking walks, especially at the beach and around Number One Pond. He was also an avid Yankees fan. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Surviving are his wife, Shirley Boudreau Ross of Sanford; four children, Anthony Ross of Falmouth, Karen Knight and her husband Bruce of Sanford, James Ross of Saco and Kathleen Ross of Sanford; nine grandchildren, Jessica Gore, Alicia Ross, Dominic Ross, Kevin Charrette, Adam Charrette, Tracey Ross, Kendra Ross, Heather Cormier and Kayla Cormier and seven great-grandchildren, Noah Casale, Mikai Gore, Chelseanna Gore, Bentley Charrette, Paisley Charrette, Carter Beaulieu and Xavier Brennan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 8th at St. Therse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, located on North Avenue in Sanford. Interment will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider sending a memorial contribution to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Route One, Scarborough, Maine 04074. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.