Frederick James Ross

Frederick (Fred) James Ross Jr., age 90, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2016 in Charleston, SC. Fred was the oldest of 3 children born to Frederick James Ross Sr. and Frances Stoneman Ross of Buffalo, NY. He graduated the Nicholls School in Buffalo, NY, and then earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1946. Fred served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946, and then entered the US Naval Reserves, where he served until 1949. Fred earned a Master's in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Fred began his career in technical sales at Pierce and Stevens Corp. In 1957 he moved to the Carborundum Co. in Niagara Falls, NY, assuming increased operating responsibilities cumulated with being appointed the company's President. From there, he was recruited to be President and CEO for Raybestos-Manhattan in Bridgeport CT, where he remained until retirement in 1981. Following his retirement, Fred and his wife, Joan, moved to Stowe, VT and then Kiawah Island, SC.

Fred was an avid runner, completing the Skylon International Marathon. His other key interests were tennis, skiing and flying - having owned and piloted his own plane.

Fred is survived by his wife and partner of 43 years Joan Audrey Ross, and is the widower of Mary Elizabeth Patterson Ross. Fred is also survived by their six children - Karen, Frederick III (Jeannie), Glenn Arthurs, Laura Scheuerell (Casey), Jeffrey Sr., and Ross Arthurs (Marilyn). Additionally, there are fourteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held in The Chapel at Bishop Gadsden on Friday, July 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Medical University of South Carolina Foundation, Research & Education in Epilepsy Fund (REEF/ Fund #8848) 18 Bee Street, MSC 450, Charleston, SC 29425.