Celebrate Barre resident’s 100th birthday on Thursday with socially distanced fun

Editor:

On the 21st of May, our community has the privilege of celebrating 100 years of life. Our own Don Ross, the elder-Barre himself, becomes a centenarian. His memories tell of tales that boast of the history of not only our community, but of a man who has found purpose, adventure, but most importantly, love.

In 1920, before hospitals were the standard place for births, Don made his grand entrance into this world in his family home at 1350 West Ave. in Medina, New York. The streets of Medina were his home—he and his trusted team of horses plowed the northeast corridor to keep the sidewalks clean throughout the winter.

Don graduated from high school in 1939. Soon after, he left home and pursued a degree in electrical engineering from R.A.M.I. (now called R.I.T.). Upon his college graduation, he began working at the Niagara Hudson Power Company, now known as National Grid. His tenure in the workforce left its mark on the history of G.L.F and the Barre Canning Factory, before opening Albion Plumbing.

Although his successes were many, his greatest accomplishment was his happy marriage to the beautiful Bernie Axtell – 1942 saw the beginning of their journey through life as one. With his darling wife by his side, they built their house in 1959, and for nearly 78 years together, they created a home.

Please join us on Thursday, May 21st at 6 p.m. for the birthday party of a century, complete with cake and socially distanced fun and friends at the Ross residence on Oak Orchard Road.

The Van Lieshout Family

Barre