Richard "Rich" Ross

Richard "Rich" Ross, of Stuart Florida formerly from Islip, New York, at the age of 86, passed away on September 14, 2024. He was the visionary leader of Charles Ross & Son Company, a process equipment manufacturing firm established by his family in 1842. Rich took over as president of the company in 1961, guiding it through decades of growth and expansion. Under his leadership, the company grew from one plant in Long Island, New York, to eight manufacturing locations, including multiple in the United States, and others in China and India. His commitment to his employee's welfare and excellence in manufacturing secured the company's place as a global leader in its industry.

Rich is survived by his two daughters, Melanie "Heather" Ross and Carol "Laurie" Ross, along with his faithful Labrador, “BB”, niece Linda Fisher, and niece Shelley Rosener. Rich also leaves behind his former spouse, Yvonne Ross, and her children, Denise Martorana, and Richard O'Boyle. Through a mixed marriage, Rich had 14 beloved grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his siblings, Charles K. Ross and Audrey Ross Ladman, his son James Ross, daughter Sandra Ross Kerr, and adopted son Christopher S Ross.

Outside of his professional achievements, Rich had a passion for travel and a deep love of the water. An avid sport fisherman, he owned many of the finest sportfishing yachts ever built and spent much of his leisure time fishing and enjoying life on the sea.

A memorial service will be held:

Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church located at 623 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, Florida 39994.

In Lieu of flowers, please either donate to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the name of his daughter, Sandra Ross-Kerr, or Helping People Succeed (HPS) in Jensen Beach, Florida, Martin County.

Rich’s legacy of leadership and love for adventure will be remembered by all who knew him.