Westernport, MD - John Edwin Ross Jr., 91, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, at Devlin Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Cumberland, Md., following a year in hospice care.

Born Jan. 11, 1935, in Westernport, he was the son of the late John Edwin and Frances "Topsy" (Barrick) Ross.

A lifelong resident of Westernport, John graduated from Bruce High School in 1953 and Potomac State College in 1955. He served two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Ansbach, Germany. Upon returning home, he was employed by A.G. Clark Builders before beginning a long career in 1959 with the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Co. (later Westvaco Corp.) in Luke, Md. He retired in 1997 as foreman of the pulp mill instrument shop.

On May 13, 1961, John married the love of his life, Dorothea Regina Stine. Together they raised four children, and John led his family with quiet strength, selflessness and an unmatched work ethic. In addition to being a devoted family man, John was a loyal and steadfast friend who remained deeply connected with a close circle of friends from childhood throughout his life.

John's passion was the outdoors. From hunting and fly fishing to gardening and beekeeping, he found peace in nature—often referring to time in the woods as his church. A keen observer with a deep appreciation for the natural world, he enjoyed many days in his later years watching wildlife from his favorite porch chair.

He is survived by sons, John "Jack" E. Ross III and wife Nina, and Jeffrey W. Ross and wife Stacy; daughters, Jill A. Ross and Joy M. Musgrave and husband Jeffrey Musgrave; grandchildren, Helen Ross, Katherine Ross, Owen Ross, Elana Ross and Joshua Musgrave; and sister, Shirley L. Thompson.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothea; his brother, William J. Ross; his sister, Betty J. Martin; and brothers-in-law, Herbert Martin and William Stine.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to John's many friends and relatives for their visits, calls, cards, letters and the many meals provided during his illness, as well as to the caregivers of UPMC Western Maryland Hospice, Comfort Keepers Home Care, and Devlin Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fredlock & Fenner Funeral Homes, Piedmont Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. in the funeral home, with Pastor Lori Evans officiating. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery in Westernport, Md.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Maryland Environmental Trust at 100 Community Place, 3rd Floor, Crownsville, MD 21032; or UPMC Western Maryland Hospice at UPMC WMD Home Hospice Services, ATTN: Candy Adams, 12501 Willowbrook Road, 3rd Floor, Cumberland, MD 21502.