Kenneth W. Ross

Kenneth W. Ross of Riverhead, N.Y., died June 29, 2012, at the age of 89.

He was born in Southampton, N.Y., on October 10, 1922, and was raised in East Hampton, N.Y. He was the son of Charles B. and Dorothy (Robinson) Ross. He graduated from East Hampton High School, Maryville College (Tenn.) and Columbia University (N.Y.).

While attending Maryville he met his loving wife of over 50 years, Rhoda (Hollar) Ross.

One of his first jobs was life guarding in Montauk, which led to his lifelong love of the beach. Over the years he was dubbed by his friends the “mayor” of his favorite beach.

After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, Kenneth began his educational career teaching history in Montauk. In the early 1950s, his family moved to Aquebogue, N.Y., where he was a teacher at and then principal of Aquebogue Elementary School. He served as superintendent of Riverhead Central School District (N.Y.) for the remainder of his career, retiring in 1977.

Some of his favorite activities included golfing, boating, fishing, playing cards and socializing with his friends. He was an avid supporter of Riverhead sports and was inducted into the Riverhead High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Above all, he was proud of and generous to his children and grandchildren.

Ken was predeceased by his wife, Rhoda, in 1995. He is survived by his son, Stephen K. Ross, and his wife, Debbie, of Greenville, Pa.; his daughter Cherie Wines and her husband, Roger, of Jamesport, N.Y.; and his daughter Jennifer Fecteau and her husband, Mark, of Hooksett, N.H.; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Visiting hours took place Sunday, July 1, at Reginald H. Tuthill Funeral Home in Riverhead, immediately followed by a funeral service, the Rev. Fred Moore officiating. Interment was at Calverton National Cemetery.

This is a paid notice.