Howard "Howie" J. Ross

Howard ‘Howie’ Ross, 83, of West Haven, passed away at home on April 28, 2021.  He was born in New Haven on September 30, 1937, to the late Steven and Martha (Sabo) Ross.  At the age of 18, Howie enlisted in the United States Army.  During his 3 years of service, he earned a Good Conduct medal and Marksmanship badge.  After being honorably discharged from the army in 1959, Howie worked various jobs before becoming a Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service; he retired in 2002 after 35 years of service.  In addition, Howie worked part-time as a driver for the Connecticut Limousine for many years. Howie was a kind, selfless, and generous man with a 24 karat gold heart.  His unwavering devotion to family began at a young age when he quit school to get a job to provide for his mother and sister.  As an adult, he tirelessly worked 2 jobs for the majority of his life to support his wife and children.  In addition to caring for his family, Howie always looked out for and helped his friends and neighbors.  He snowplowed the neighborhood, had his kids deliver bags of produce from his garden to neighbors, and was always quick to offer a helping hand with a project.  Howie was happiest when he was giving.  He was truly a ‘give the shirt off his back’ kind of guy.  Howie’s children had a couple of joking nicknames for him: Dr. Ross and Farmer Ross.  Dr. Ross liked to concoct his own home remedies at times; sometimes they worked and the others became memorable family stories!  Farmer Howie was an amazing gardener and will forever be remembered for his famous heart tomatoes, the pride and joy of his garden.  Howie also enjoyed watching sports and was a loyal Yankees baseball and UCONN basketball fan.  The epitome of integrity, Howie will be deeply missed.  He was predeceased by his wife, Lucille Tantimonaco Ross; brothers, Francis, John, and Steven Ross; sister, Martha Salvati.  He is survived by his children Gary (Karen) Ross of Southington, Ken (Karen) Ross of Berlin, and Kim Ross of Stratford; grandchildren: Brian, Jason, Heather, Matt, and Ally Ross. 

The hours for visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 11, from 8:30 to 10:30 at the West Haven Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Victory Church on Tuesday, May 11, at 11 o’clock.  Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to West Haven Emergency Assistance Taskforce (WHEAT), 674 Washington Ave, West Haven, CT 06516.

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