Vincent Michael Ross' Obituary
Vincent Michael Ross, 80, of Culpeper, VA, passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, VA. He was born on June 29, 1944, to the late Michael Victor Ross and Genevieve D. Azzari Ross in McKeesport, PA.
Vincent was raised in the city he loved, Clairton, PA, where he played high school football for the Clairton Bears, before he went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in finance from Youngstown State University. He was a proud Veteran, having served his country in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve. By the 1970s, employment led him to the Washington, D.C. area, first at the Mayflower Hotel in DC as the assistant Controller. He then moved on to Government Contracting, which led to a successful career that included a key role in the foundation of ERC (Evaluation Research Corporation), now Astrion, which grew from approximately 15 to over 2,000 employees. His exceptional capabilities as a contracts manager afforded him the opportunity to live and work in Europe and support nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation projects in Ukraine while working with Amelex, ManTech, Raytheon, and others. His work ethic was incomparable. He never shied away from a challenge or hard work, a value that he credited to his Clairton roots.
Vince or Vinny, as he was known to his family and friends, was a football enthusiast and a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He never met a stranger who did not become a friend. He adored his Italian heritage and often reflected on his meaningful trip to Italy in 2015, where he visited the cities and towns of his ancestors. He was known to remind his children, and later grandchildren, to “remember you have the blood of Emperors running through your veins.”
To his children, he was lovingly called “Cool,” “Pop,” “Jim,” and “Dad.” To his grandchildren, he was simply their “Pap.” Most of all, he was incredibly family-focused. He always put family first and was a tireless champion for his immediate family, siblings, and cousins, who knew him as caring, dependable, optimistic, and always ready to share a laugh or a cup of coffee.
Vincent is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jacquelyn S. Ross; his children, Valerie Ross Triplett (Brian D. Triplett), Alexander M. Ross (Victoria I. Ross), and Catherine L. Ross- McIlrath (Scott L. McIlrath); grandchildren, Brett D. Triplett, Chase V. Triplett, Zachary M. Triplett, Marguerite G. Ross, Courtney L. Ross, and Alexander M. Ross, Jr.; siblings, Lucy Wyss (Michael), Michael J. Ross (Patricia, aka Goddaughter), Mary Ross, Rita Tremont (Randall), and Thomas Ross, and a host of extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Vincent is preceded in death by his brother, Alessandro V. Ross, and sister-in-law, Marian.
The family will receive guests on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA.
A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Precious Blood Catholic Church, 114 E. Edmondson Street, Culpeper, VA, with Rev. Kevin B. Walsh, officiating. The family invites those unable to attend to view via live stream link https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1MDk2MTE3MTM2ODg3MiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
Interment will follow at Culpeper National Cemetery, 501 E. Chandler Street, Culpeper, VA.
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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