John “Bananas” Ross, 91, of New Castle passed away the afternoon of July 7, 2021 at UPMC Jameson. Born on September 27, 1929 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Arsenio (George) and Lena Mosley Ross. He is survived by his beloved wife, the former Joanna Audia, who he married on June 27, 1959.
John had worked for the New Castle Area Schools as a Head Custodian, until he retired. John proudly served his country has a member of the United States Army. He served during the Korean War Era as a Staff Sergeant and medic for the 64th Field Hospital. He also served for ten years in the Army Reserves. He was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, St. Vitus Site.
John was the co-founder of the New Castle Bocce League. He served as a Democratic Committeeman for the 4th Ward in New Castle for several years. John loved to tell jokes and was known for his good sense of humor. He enjoyed fishing and playing cards. A loving husband and father, John’s greatest joy was the time he spent with his family.
In addition to his wife, John is survived by his children, John Ross, Jr. of Chicago, IL, Theresa Ross and her companion, Edward Costa, of New Castle, Lana Ross of Cleveland and Nicholas Ross and his companion, Randi Mariacher, of New Castle and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by six brothers, Nick Parisi, Joe Ross, Phillip Ross, Anthony Ross, Patsy Ross and James Ross and three sisters, Carrie Ross, Angie Toth, and Mary Ross.
Visitation will be on Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home & Crematory, 941 South Mill St. A procession will leave the funeral home on Monday at 9:30 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish, St. Vitus Site. Father Brendan Dawson will officiate. Burial will be in the Veterans Section of Parkside Cemetery, with Military Honors.