Ferdinand "Fred" Anthony Ross, Jr.

Ferdinand “Fred” Anthony Ross, Jr., 87 of Worcester passed away peacefully on, Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at Rose Monahan Hospice surrounded by his loving family.  Fred was born on July 21, 1929 in New Orleans, LA a son of the late Ferdinand A. and Christine (Mitchell) Ross. He attended school in New Orleans and later went on to honorably serve his nation in the United States Navy from 1948 until 1952 during the Korean War. During his active duty Fred married the love of his life Donna L. (Quimby) Ross and together they settled in Worcester where they would share 52 years of happiness, before she predeceased him in 2003. Ferdinand worked for Wright Line in Worcester for over thirty-four years before retiring in 1991. Despite his southern roots he was an avid New England sports fan and he was also known for his great sense of humor. Fred’s life was truly guided by his steadfast faith. He was a long time and active member of the former Belmont Baptist Church and now Journey Community Church. Fred lived his faith through his deeds, he was a former church Deacon, he taught English Second Language (ESL) classes, as well as Sunday school and summer group programs. Fred will be greatly missed by those whose lives he has touched with his generosity and selflessness. Among his survivors Fred leaves behind four daughters, Betty L. Howard and her husband Robert of Uxbridge, Martha J. Bergstrom and her husband Kenneth of Charlton, Judith A. Russell and her husband Daniel of Douglas, and Mary C. Arthur and her husband David of New Orleans, LA; a brother, Thomas Ross; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Friends and relatives are invited to a period of calling hours on Friday, October 28, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Fred’s funeral service will be celebrated the following day on Saturday, October  29th at 10:00 o’clock a.m. in the funeral home followed by internment in Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Fred’s name to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA  22312; https://donations.diabetes.org or Journey Community Church Mission Fund, 25 Belmont St. Worcester, MA; https://thejourneyma.churchcenteronline.com/giving . Please visit Fred’s guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.