By Deborah Larsen
George John Ross Jr.
George John Ross Jr. was born in Rochester, Michigan, on August 16, 1927, the son of George and Anna Dopp Ross. The Ross family lived on Fourth Street, and George’s father was the chief of the Rochester Fire Department. As a child, George was active in scouting and became an Eagle Scout in 1941. He attended Rochester High School, graduating in the class of 1945.
In 1945, George entered the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany for 14 months. He was released from military service in June 1947.
After the war, George married and started a family. He earned his teaching degree from Central Michigan University in 1951. He had a 25-year career as a teacher, counselor, and athletic coach in the Rochester Community Schools, retiring in 1987. He also continued his association with Boy Scouts of America, serving as a scoutmaster, district chairman, and member of the Eagle Review Board. He remained active in scouting for the rest of his life.
George also served his community as a volunteer firefighter in the Rochester Fire Department for 27 years.
George John Ross Jr. died at age 86 on March 19, 2014, and was laid to rest in Mount Avon Cemetery.
Photo courtesy of Casey Ross.