Clarence Ross Jr

Clarence Merle Ross Jr., 90 a resident of Barney Orchard Road, formerly of Readsboro passed away peacefully on Thursday August 31, 2017 at his home. The son of Clarence M. and Olive (Ingalls) Ross Sr., he was born in Ludlow on February 22, 1927. Clarence graduated from Mt. Hermon School for Boys in Northhampton , MA. He was a World War II Army veteran , where he served as a tank instructor. Clarence enjoyed a 35 year career with the US Postal Service , starting as a Rural mail Carrier and retiring as Postmaster of the Dorset Post Office. He had previously worked as supervisor of the night shift at Glassine Paper Mill in Monroe Bridge, MA .He had been a TV repairman , owning his own shop in Readsboro and worked for Briggs and later at Seasons Radio both in North Adams, MA. He was a pioneer in the satellite TV industry and had installed them for many years starting with the giant models. Clarence was active in his community, he served as Commander of American Legion Post 69 in Arlington ,Commander of American Legion Post in Readsboro, King Lion of the Readsboro Lions Club and Captain in the Readsboro Fire Department. He was a former member of the Bennington Elks Lodge , Moose Family Center and member of the Fraternal Order of Eagle in Bennington. For 32 years, he was a volunteer van driver for the VA, transporting Veterans from the Bennington area to their White River Veterans Hospital appointments. Clarence enjoyed being on the water , either fishing, water skiing, boating, sailing or just being on the water with his family. Music was a big part of his life , he was an accomplished banjo player and played with the Kelly Stand Symphony. He was an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed riding his motorcycle. He leaves his son Gary Ross and wife Geraldine of Sunderland , step son Richard VanGuilder of Readsboro, daughters Debbie Mattison and Rebecca Ward and husband Walter both of Manchester and Donna Walker and husband Gene of Florida, step daughters Linnette Over and husband Greg of Cuttingsville and Naomi Brown and husband Jeff of Ft. Walton Beach, Fl., 21 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wives Charlene (Wellman) Ross and Phyllis (VanGuilder) Ross and children Diane and Gilbert in 1964. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Readsboro on September 5, 2017 at 2pm. Burial with military honors will follow in the Readsboro Village Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Readsboro American Legion Post 29 in care of the Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home , P.O. Box 528, Arlington, VT 05250 Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Readsboro on September 5, 2017 at 2pm. Burial with military honors will follow in the Readsboro Village Cemetery.