Mr. Thomas J. Ross

Mr. Thomas J. Ross, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, March 10, 2025, just weeks after celebrating his 89th birthday. Born in Pittsfield, MA, son of the late M. Alfred and Katherine Ross, he graduated from Williams High School with the class of 1952 and later earned his associate’s degree in Animal Science from UMASS. Following high school, Tom served for one year in the Active Naval Reserve. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country until his honorable discharge as an Airman First Class in 1957. Tom began his career working in agriculture as a Farmhand, a Herdsman and then as the store manager of Agway in Great Barrington. Later he would own his businesses in Great Barrington: Fabricare, a coin-op laundry and Leonard’s Cleaners, a dry cleaner. After selling his business, Tom served as the Director of Veteran’s Services for Southern Berkshire County for 5 years and worked as a software trainer traveling the country teaching HR professionals. Being adept at accounting software, Tom would manage the books for small businesses in the Berkshires including Tom’s Toys and Hobden Restoration. Tom was an active member of Grace Church Congregational and served as an elder for many years. He became a licensed minister in the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference and would often preach in various churches in the Berkshires when the pastor was away. Tom loved animals and had many pets over the years. He always had time to help with his brother-in-law’s herd of sheep and enjoyed taking his grandsons along to “feed the woolies”. Tom was interested in early Massachusetts history and founded a group to study the Massachusetts Constitution. Tom is survived by his wife, the former Linda Poulton, with whom he would have celebrated his 10th anniversary on the 21st of March. He leaves behind his son Timothy and his wife Julie, step-daughter Jeannine Waschak (Richard), step-son Zane Poulton (Glenda), three grandsons and five great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased in 2012 by his first wife, the former Eunice May Fadding. Funeral Notice: Calling hours for Mr. Thomas J. Ross will be Friday, March 14, 2025, from 11:30AM to 1:30PM at the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home in Pittsfield, 220 East St, Pittsfield MA 01201. Funeral services will be directly after the calling hours at the funeral home at 1:30PM. Burial will be private and at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory can be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires, 877 South St, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Mr. Thomas J. Ross

February 21, 1936 - March 10, 2025