Douglas Alan Ross

Douglas Alan Ross, Ph.D.

Dearly loved and respected father, grandpa, cousin, and friend passed comfortably in his sleep on Sunday February 5th, 2023, while at Aviva Senior Living in Sarasota, Florida. He was 84 years old.

Happiest among his 4 son’s families and his amazing 9 grandchildren, he will be remembered with a smile and the many happy times shared by all.

Born June 26, 1938, as an only child to Russell and Sarah (Sally) Ross, he grew up in Yeadon, PA surrounded by cousins, with whom he vacationed annually with best of times and memories at the Jersey Shore. Doug was active in sports throughout his life playing, coaching his sons, and later supporting his grandchildren. He was a good student which led to an undergraduate degree in psychology at Lebanon Valley College while playing basketball and receiving two letters as a first baseman on the baseball team. Doug received a master’s degree at Bowling Green and his PH.D. in psychology at Lehigh University. He had a full teaching career at Indiana University of PA, of which he chaired the department for 7 years, took leadership roles with APSCUF and acted as Interim Dean before moving to Stinson Beach California to expand his knowledge with Dialogic and collaborative studies. Prior to settling into retirement in his mid-seventies, he taught online, wrote books, and consulted professionally through his Collaborative Solutions Business (Birkenstock & Mote Marine).

In retirement Doug enjoyed great times with his grandchildren. He loved supporting and with sincere interest talking about their many interests. With some humor and banter among he and his sons, he was also a self-proclaimed East Coast Bocce Champion. His “Beach Bocce” book backs this up. Finally, Doug worked to bring new understanding and awareness regarding the challenges of aging where he resided in Florida.

Doug is survived by his four sons – Brad (Rhonda), Joel (Tia), Tobin (Amy), and Adam (Annie); Grandchildren – Quinn, Ayla, Kylyn, Mason, Danica, Zachary, Jacob, Hayden, and Cooper. Doug valued family and placed a high priority on raising his children with former spouse of 28 yrs. – Nancy Fenstermacher.

He will be remembered as a wise leader, mentor, coach, and a sincere caring person, who dedicated his life to bringing people together, fighting inequalities, and trying to make the world a better place. He will live on forever through those of us blessed to have known him!

“My Tracks too soon will be covered. New forms will succeed me here. This is how I want to spend my day. In the sun.

A life is to live, A time to love in, A time to help, to give, and to always be.”

Douglas A. Ross - Sea Isle City, Thanksgiving ‘97

Celebration of Life plans (northeast) will be forthcoming.

Family and friends in Florida will be gathering on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota, Pavilion 13. Please feel free to stop by between 11 am and 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, Doug’s wishes were to have charitable donations support the pursuit of higher education, personal development, and Alzheimer Association (ALZ.org)

Sympathy Communications for Doug can be directed to:

The Ross Family

23706 State Rd. 70 East

Myakka City Florida 34251

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ManasotaMemorial.com for the Ross family.