John Klein Ross

John K. Ross, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 85, surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Mary Ellen (McElroy) Ross for 62 years. Together they raised a family in Scituate, Massachusetts, where John’s presence in his community was felt for decades.

John was born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to Nelson and Thelma (Klein) Ross and raised in Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ever a devoted son and brother, John’s ties to Pittsburgh remained strong throughout his life, supporting his Pittsburgh Steelers above all teams and never losing his Pittsburgh vernacular. John was a 1957 graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School and a 1961 graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and economics. A talented musician, John played trumpet in the school’s marching band and was an active member of the Kappa Sigma Kappa fraternity.

After college, John returned home to Pittsburgh where he met his wife, Mary Ellen, at a Methodist church youth group. Acquainted since grade school, John quickly realized he had met his match, and they were swiftly engaged to be married. He served in the US Navy as a naval intelligence officer in San Diego, California and later re-located to Boston with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), where he had a distinguished 25-year career as a Special Agent. He became known for his exceptional surveillance skills, took pride in his work, and was highly respected for his professionalism and integrity.

A longtime resident of Scituate, John was deeply involved in his community. He served as a volunteer Township Constable, an elected Commissioner of the Scituate Housing Authority, and participated in numerous organizations including the United States Junior Chamber, Satuit Masonic Lodge, the Scituate Assembly of Rainbow Girls and Habitat for Humanity. He was also a dedicated member of the Scituate Harbor United Methodist Church, where he led the children’s Sunday School and sang in the choir for many years. In his later years, he and Mary Ellen became active members of Sanctuary Church in Marshfield, Massachusetts. In recognition of his community involvement John was awarded the FBI’s Northeast Region Humanitarian Award in 1999.

In his retirement, John enjoyed golf, travel, gardening, jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with his family, particularly his beloved grandchildren. He was an avid model train enthusiast and spent many hours building elaborate layouts with his son Wayne, a tradition that became a cherished part of their family life and community.

John’s family and friends will remember him for his positive energy, faith in God, and personal charisma. His legacy of love, service, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Mary Ellen, his children Laura O’Keefe (Donald), Wayne Ross, Linda Ross, and Leah Lester (Nathan) and grandchildren, Kelly O’Keefe Clore (Mathison), Julie Hannon (Sean), Michael, Kevin, and Steven O’Keefe, and Margaret and Robyn Lester. John was predeceased by his parents Nelson and Thelma and his sister Ruth Ross.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate John’s life on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11am at Sanctuary Church, 185 Plain Street, Marshfield MA, 02050.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sanctuary Church https ://www.sanctuarysouthshore.org/give