Stephen Torey Ross

Stephen Torey. "Steve" Ross, age 93, passed away at Paoli Hospital, surrounded by family following a two-month health challenge. Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Steve and wife Jean Carol Ross (deceased) headed east after college and a stint in the Army, and settled in New Brunswick, NJ where Steve earned his PhD in Chemistry from Rutgers University.

1st. Lt. Steve Ross served in the United States Army in the Korean War and was discharged honorably despite an ill-conceived venture into North Korea ("to see what it was like"). Son John Stephen was born shortly thereafter in 1956 and daughter Karen Ann (Lenker) was born three years later. The Ross family chose Berwyn as their home where Steve lived until his passing. Despite family pleas for a more appropriate setting for his later years, Steve loved his home, his dog Luther, and was determined to stay with them both as long as he could.

Steve worked as a research chemist for Glaxo Smith Kline, retiring at age 79. He was generous with both his time and finances with his family as well as with his church, St. Luke's Lutheran Church. He loved spending time with his family, heavily financing both his children's college degrees as well as for his three grandchildren; Stephen John Ross, Austin John Lenker and Torey John Lenker. He cherished every opportunity to attend their sports and scholastic endeavors in addition to family time in his Ocean City, New Jersey home. In addition to the family mentioned, Steve is survived by John Lenker (Karen's husband), Sarah "Pat" Maher (John's life partner), Mary Ross (Stephen's wife) and his twin great grandchildren (born to Stephen and Mary) Tyler Andrew and Alexandra Harper Ross (age 4).

In earlier years, Steve was an avid runner, tennis player and swimmer (well into his 80s). He despised Geico and Pennsylvania Lottery commercials, but was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan. Please remember Steve for his smile, quirky sense of humor and most importantly, his commitment to others.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations to his charity of choice, St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Devon, PA.

A memorial visitation for Stephen will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Alleva Funeral Home, 1724 E. Lancaster Avenue, Paoli, PA 19301. A funeral services will occur Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM. An interment with military honors will occur Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Great Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 2025 Swedesford Road, Malvern, PA 19355. A catered reception will occur Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Sajer Hall at Alleva Funeral Home, Paoli, PA.