Anthony J. Ross

Anthony Joseph Ross, 86, died on Friday, December 12, 2008 in Salem, NH after a prolonged illness. Anthony was a World War II Army Air Force Veteran. He had worked for the Air Force most of his life at both Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, NH and Hanscom in Lexington, MA. Tony lost his loving wife of 43 years, Margaret (Whelan) Ross, and built a new post-retirement life for himself. Tony joined "Alive After Five" and danced his way into Rita Gouveau's heart, his fianc‚e. He was always an avid swimmer and swam daily at the Salem Racquetball Club until age 83. Tony loved taking short trips to Vegas, Florida, Indian Head and Foxwoods. He was always smiling, dancing, playing cards, sunning, swimming and enjoying a good meal. Tony didn't have a delicate hand, but he was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed him. He lived a full life filled with family and friends and will be sorely missed as the rock of the Ross family. Anthony is survived by his four children: Anthony J. Ross, Jr. and his wife Carol (Connolly) Ross, David E. Ross and his wife Nancy (Sharkey) Ross, Susan M. Ross-Licata and her husband George, and Nancy A. (Ross) Lopez. He also has 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Tony was predeceased by his two sisters: Anne Ross and Carmela (Ross) Leo. Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass that will be celebrated on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 9:00 A.M. in St. Lucy's Church, 254 Merrimack St., Methuen, MA. A Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Lawrence, MA. At Anthony's request, there are no calling hours. Donations may be made to either Bread and Roses Soup Kitchen, 58 Newbury St., Lawrence, MA., 01840, or to the Susan G. Komen for the cure Breast Cancer Foundation at (http://ww5.komen.org). To send an online condolence please got to www.breenfuneralhome.com. Saying Bye to Daddy I hate to say bye to Daddy I love him with all my heart We lost my mother too early Which made our bond strong from the start I am the one most like him Mom ordered us to get along When we knew her fate Somehow we did, just from that day on I was always Daddy's tag along to the races and the ball park He coached me, lectured me, and helped me out whenever I needed a jump start I hope I can be half the parent and provider to my boys I remember my childhood as loving and so full of joy My Dad began slipping a couple of years ago And he wasn't the same strong man But I know he had given me that strength to be the best I can Thank you for everything Daddy I hope I make you proud Give Mom a big hug and kiss for me You were both the best two parents around Love, Nancy