Thomas Joseph Ross

Artist, musician, baseball player, Our Lad Tom was a youthful, humble soul.

Born 3/3/33, a fine son & one of ten talented children of the late Helen (Denchy) and Thomas Francis Ross of Ashland, Pa. Loved his parents. Spoke joyfully (alright, he'd brag) about his brothers & sisters. Directed by their father, they’d sing in their church choir. When called upon, Tom would solo. They made music.

On or offstage, Tom had presence. As the lead in his high school musical, he sang: “Mr. T. O’Toole, that’s me, never went to school, you see...”
Sellout ovations. His bass-baritone ranged through tenor. Whisper or shout, he’d embody every song. Diners, ballgames, elevators (why not?). He could get around on piano, too.

Taught by his father, Tom played a lot of trumpet. Improvising over a tune, or working “Carnival of Venice”, the cat could jam. A favorite was “Trumpeter's Lullaby.” He marched in the local Drum & Bugle Corps, and played “Taps” to honor serviceman.

Even his knuckleball danced. He pitched well, and played third base for the Blue Jays up home. He could run, and had a strong arm from centerfield. Our Lad could hit, too - homers flew beyond the coal banks. Later, he was the ringer in the PA State Employees softball league. When Tom was at the plate, infielders moved to the outfield, while outfielders became forest rangers, searching the woods for another base clearing home run ball, no lie.

Tom was an Army Veteran, well liked & respected. Stationed in Germany as a radio operator, he saw resilient folks and admired their spirit. He would sometimes enjoy a well brewed local beer. When tavern patrons encouraged, he would stand & sing to hearty applause.

His charm aided Tom in winning the lovely Marlene, of Shamokin, PA. Husband & wife for nearly 55 years; shamrock and rose.

Driven by his childhood gifts, he’d draw and sculpt all day & often deep into the night. He completed the Famous Artists Course, winning Commendations from the teachers. He freelanced, then joined the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Concept to layout, he’d design & illustrate books & periodicals. “Communication,” he’d say.

Charcoal on his fingers, & paint on his clothes. Landscapes, wildlife, abstracts. Fast, funny caricatures. His compositions are hung throughout our house, & some have found homes near & far. Whether pencil on napkin, or pen & ink plein air - he had chops. With watercolor, oil, acrylic, or casein - he produced stunning portraits. We treasure a most perfect study of his beloved mother.

Selfless, patient dad to Lynn, Tom, Lorraine, Kathy, & Kelly in their New Cumberland home. From him we learned toughness & generosity. Dad often told us, “You’re all children of love.” He taught us to sing in harmony. He’d get us to smile by saying, “Goozhimala!” Dad would handle bedtime by reading to us over the intercom. We brushed, washed, & scrambled under the sheets, rooms darkened, minds alive. He’d voice each character with distinction. A chapter a night, his delivery kept us in suspense about what “The Shadow knows... mwaah ha ha ha haa.”

Dad dug our friends. He loved all of his nieces & nephews - and their parents! He had the physique of an athlete & reveled in giving piggyback rides. He would twirl kids on his outstretched arms, two, four, six at a time. “Hang on!”, and “Power!,” he’d say, laughing. As a painter who learned anatomy, he taught us the names of each muscle. When playing with him we’d use them all... mostly the ones for laughing & hugging.

Of course, hearing “Pop Pop” made him beam at his grandchildren. Samantha, Kathleen, Ross, Peter, Isabel & Ava. They’d say, “Ups,” and he’d lift ‘em high. At Ozzie & Vic’s donut shop or the Summit Diner, he relished introducing them to his friends. Loved to hear them play piano, sing, or appear on stage. Their drawings & colorful artwork brought a sparkle to his eye. With their dads, Dan & Rob, they’d play hide ‘n’ seek all around the yard, overturn rocks for bugs, & pick for Pop Pop the biggest tomatoes.

Our Lad Tom died May 24th, 2014, encircled by family, singing, crying, praying, laughing. So lucky to have known a soul so strong and gentle.

Thank you, Our Lad. You set a mighty table. Harmony, rhythm, & beauty. We miss you. You taught us to love freely. We love, love you.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, June 2nd, at 11:00am, in St. Theresa Church, 1300 Bridge St., New Cumberland, Pa. 17070. There will be no viewing.

At one o'clock, pm, the funeral will proceed to Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, for interment at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please say a prayer for Our Lad, Tom.