Howard E. Ross November 4, 1935 - August 29, 2024

Howard “Howie” Ross, 88, formerly of Seaford, NY passed away peacefully on August 29, 2024 at Country Meadows, Bethlehem, PA.

Born in Jamaica, NY, he was the son of the late Howard L. and Caroline (Weiler) Ross of Woodhaven, NY.

Howard was a graduate of P.S. 97, Brooklyn Tech High School and earned an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Vermont.

At UVM he met his wife-to-be, Marjorie Jean Sheldon, of Jeffersonville, VT, who was a nursing student at the time. They enjoyed 45 years of marriage before her death in 2003.

Howard was a First Lieutenant of the Army Security and Intelligence Agency and stationed at the former Fort Devens in Shirley, Massachusetts.

After a successful 30-year management career with the Bell Telephone System, Howard retired in 1990 as an Associate Director.  He enjoyed numerous post graduate programs, during his career at institutions such as the Warton School of Business and Finance, The University of Pennsylvania, College of Engineering at Cornell University and Thayer School at West Point.

Howard was active in the Seaford, NY, community where he and his wife raised two children.

He was a member, since 1963 of the Seaford Lions Club and served many elected positions on both the local, county and international levels. He was awarded Lion of the Year twice and received the Melvin Jones Award. He was a founding member of the New York and Bermuda Lions Foundation. Howard held every club office position over his 60+ years of service and made many lifelong friendships.

While residing in Seaford, one of his long-term projects was to help those with impaired vision. Since 1989, he collected and arranged for the redistribution of over 230,000 pairs of eyeglasses (through New Eyes for the Needy) and was the recipient of the Knights of the Blind award in recognition of this project.

Howard was active in his Christian faith as a member of the United Methodist Church of Seaford since 1961. He began as an Usher, became a Treasurer, Lay Leader, Chairman of the Church Council, Director of music and Organist. In 1968, he founded the Seaford Community Pre-School which is still operating today. Hundreds of children from Seaford and the surrounding area began their early education in a Christian environment at the Pre-School; some graduates, now as adults, continue to enroll their children in the program.

In retirement, his favorite activity was golfing.  A good week would be one, in which he golfed every day, Monday through Friday. He was a member of the Nassau Golfers, the Metropolitan Golf Association and the US Golf Association.

He also enjoyed canal boat trips, traveling abroad, and solving crossword puzzles in ink.

Survivors: He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Janet and son-in-law, Bruce Anderson of Coopersburg, PA and son Eric and daughter-in-law Lauren Ross of Parker, CO;  grandsons: Matthew Anderson and his wife Amanda of Haverford, PA, Gregory Anderson and his wife Christine of Encinitas, CA and Navy Lt. Kevin Anderson and wife Jessica of Pensacola, FL; and three great grandchildren.

Services: A memorial service in celebration of Howard’s life will be held at a future date at Seaford United Methodist Church, 2160 Waverly Avenue, Seaford, New York.

Interment will be private at Long Island National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Stephens Funeral Home, Inc., Allentown, PA and Charles G. Schmitt Funeral Home, 3863 Merrick Road, Seaford, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to support Diabetes Awareness to: Seaford Lions Club, PO Box 1722, Seaford, NY 11783