Carlton “Bud” Leroy Ross, Jr., 78, was called home on January 30, 2021. He died in Mercy hospital after complications of COVID-19. Born in Springfield, he lived in Agawam as a child, then in Huntington for many years.
Bud graduated in the last class of Huntington High School. After graduation he worked at Monarch Insurance Co., while attending Western New England College. He was employed for many years by Strathmore Paper Co.’s Woronoco No. 2 Mill, which became Hammermill Paper Co. He stayed on when it was sold to International Paper Co., from which he retired after 42 years in the paper industry.
Bud was a diehard sports enthusiast, playing basketball, baseball & soccer while in school, and played softball for many years thereafter. He enjoyed deer hunting, especially with his father. An avid trout fisherman, Bud was known to fish Littleville Dam. He enjoyed deep-sea fishing with his sons out of Rock Harbor in Orleans, MA. A lifelong sports fan of everything Boston, he especially followed the Red Sox and Patriots. He was also a partner in owning several racehorses.
Bud leaves wife of 50 years, Marie Joyce (DaPonti), sons, Matthew Ross & wife Kerry of Falls Church, VA, Michael Ross & fiancée Mary Ellen Longtin of Springfield, daughter, Tracey Jacey & husband Paul of Noank, CT, eight grandchildren, Aidan, Liam, Jack, Jocelyn & Kierstyn Ross, and Adam, Calvin & Westin Jacey. He also leaves his sister, Shirley McCready of Springfield, a niece, and a nephew.
He was predeceased by his parents, Carlton L., & Helen (Allen) Ross, Sr., and his son Christopher Serafin.
Bud’s funeral services were private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mary, Mother of Hope Church in Springfield, or to a charity of your choice.
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences.