Eric H. Ross

He was the beloved husband of Leona Pollack Ross for 68 years; father of Elyce Ross, Lauren Schwab (John S.) and Jane Orthwein (James B. Jr); grandfather of L. Devin Bernstein, James, Ross and Clark Orthwein, Leslie (Philip) Johnson and Blair Schwab; brother of the late Frank H. Ross.

Eric, born in Liverpool, England to Louis J. Ross and Jayne Sorsky Ross, came to America as an infant. He met the love of his life – who happened to be “the girl next door” – in fifth grade at Hamilton Elementary School. Eric enlisted in the Army at the start of WW II and took part in “D Day.” He and Leona were married 10 days after his return from service. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Business. Eric expanded L.J. Ross, Inc., a wholesale building materials company started by his father in Missouri and Illinois. Eric was active in several charitable organizations and played an important role in Congregation Temple Israel’s relocation to its current site. Eric brought warmth and humor to his family and many friends. He had a passion for boating, tennis, golf, and loved to read, but most of all he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

The memorial service will be Tuesday, May 21 at 1 PM at May Chapel, Congregation Temple Israel, Ladue and Spoede Road. If you desire to make a donation in his memory, please consider The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry and the Humane Society of Greater St. Louis.