Donald Ross

BARRE CENTER – Donald B. Ross, 101, passed away December 6, 2021 at his home. Mr. Ross was born May 21, 1920 in Medina to the late Harold Vail Ross and Onalie (Bacon) Ross.

He graduated from Medina High School in 1939 where he was managing editor of the school newspaper. Following graduation, he attended Rochester Athenium and Mechanics Institute, which is better known today as RIT, Rochester Institute of Technology. After graduation from college, he married his high school sweetheart, the late Bernadine E. Axtell Ross on June 13, 1942.

He worked for Niagara Mohawk Power Company following his marriage and eventually went to GLF as the manager of Knowlesville. He then left GLF to manage Canning Factory in the Town of Barre where Don and Bernadine built their home in Barre Center. Finally, he purchased Albion Plumbing and Heating where he stayed until his retirement in 1985.

Donald was very involved in his community and fraternal organizations. He was a member, Past Deacon and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Albion, Past President and Treasurer for the Cobblestone Society and Museum, a member and Past Chairman of the Board and Past Treasurer of the B.P.O. Elks Albion Lodge #1006. Don was also Past Master of the F&AM Medina Lodge #336 (combined with the Cataract Lodge #295) now known as Towpath Lodge #1193, 32nd degree Mason, Past High Priest of the Medina Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, belonged to the Lockport Commandery of Knight Templar, a member of the Shriners and a Past President of the Lockport Shriner Temple, a member and Past President of the Ismailia Temple Shrine of Buffalo and a member of the Buffalo Consistory.

In his retirement Don and Bernadine enjoyed spending time at their cottage in the Thousand Islands.

Don was predeceased by his wife of 78 years, Bernadine Axtell Ross.

He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Onalie Ross; granddaughter, Avery Erin Ross (Matthew Johnson); great-grandsons, Ryan W. Grier and Lance Corporal Dawson E. Taylor; great-great granddaughter, Julianna Marie Grier; nephew, Charles Pettit and niece, Ann Pettit.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 W. Avenue, Albion on Wednesday, December 8, from 4 to 8 p.m., with a Masonic Service at 7:30 p.m. The family will also receive friends on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by his funeral service at the funeral home at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Boxwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Cobblestone Society and Museum, P.O. Box 363, Albion, NY 14411 or the First Presbyterian Church of Albion 29 E. State St. Albion, NY 14411.

To share a special memory of Don please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.