Eugene Edward Ross

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, we lost our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Eugene Edward Ross. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family. Eugene “Gene” Ross had a personality larger than life, and we will miss him terribly.

Eugene Ross was born on July 17, 1937 in Indianola, Pennsylvania to Eugene Ross and Frances Pergar. Eugene was a proud coal miner’s son, and this helped define his hard working character. He worked his way through college, caddying at Oakmont Country Club, and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.

Gene met the love of his life, Jeannine, in San Antonio, Texas, and they married on July 8, 1961. The two would have celebrated 65 years together this July. They have three children: Eugene Ross Jr. (Texas), Deanna Ross O’Connor (New York), and Kara Ross Durland (Colorado).

A veteran of the Armed Services, he served 26 years in the United States Air Force retiring as a Colonel. During this time, he earned a Master of Science degree in Engineering Administration from Southern Methodist University and was stationed many places: the Philippines, Virginia, Texas, Alabama, and Colorado. Although he traveled to many countries during his career, he always said the most unique and memorable was his experience as Commander of the 12th Missile Warning Group at Thule Air Base in Greenland. Colonel Ross truly had a fulfilling and rewarding career. Following retirement from the USAF, Gene worked in the space and defense industry for Kaman Sciences and Northrop Grumman.

Gene traveled the world but exploring the back roads and seeing what was around the bend was the way he most enjoyed to travel. He loved road trips. How many people can say they have seen “Iowa 80 - The World’s Largest Truck Stop”? Gene Ross could; in 2025, he drove to see it. Whether it be his family’s golf, lacrosse, or volleyball matches, theater productions, mountain bike races, or a visit with relatives in Pittsburgh, Gene was there.

Gene and Jeannine also belonged to the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania and navigated countless miles visiting covered bridges.

His sense of adventure always led him to try new things: “white knuckle” trips on the dirt roads of Colorado, white water rafting, indoor climbing, and ziplining. But, he also appreciated his quiet spaces. He enjoyed being in nature, taking long walks in the woods and, in his later, leisure years, watching hummingbirds. He enjoyed a period of landscape painting; he collected antique clocks, and he was an avid reader.

Gene was a sports fan as well as an athlete. Pittsburgh black and gold - Steelers, Penguins, Pirates - ran through his veins. He himself also enjoyed hunting, fishing, soccer, golf, skiing, and jogging. Not only did he run the Marine Corps Marathon in his “younger” days, but to celebrate his 70th birthday, he biked 70 miles from Virginia to Pennsylvania!

Gene was a man of many interests and talents, and it’s difficult to summarize a man like Gene Ross: He enjoyed food, especially his mom’s coveted lemon meringue pie. His handiness and generosity earned him numerous “nicknames” from his family, including “Mr. Fix It” and “God’s Lawn Boy.” He had a good sense of humor, and with a sly smile would question, “Did you just ‘zing’ me?” He was a smart and curious man who asked questions and was a good listener. It is hard to convey all of the things that he was and still is in the minds and memories of us all.

Eugene “Gene” Ross is survived by his wife Jeannine Marie Ross and three children: Eugene Ross Jr. (Tamara), Deanna Ross O’Connor (Gerard), Kara Ross Durland (Daniel) as well as three grandchildren: Catherine O’Connor, Gerard O’Connor, Erin O’Connor. He is also survived by his siblings: Elizabeth Podufal Barns, Robert Ross, Frances Pugliese, and David Ross (deceased).

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on April 18, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life Funeral Service from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203. Live-streaming of the Celebration of Life Funeral Service will also be available. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will take place at a future date.