Milton Emerson Ross

Milton was born during a blizzard in Spencer, Massachusetts on January 31, 1919. He was born to Bertha and Charles Ross who already had two sons, Lincoln and Harold. His entire childhood was spent in Spencer. When he was very young he delivered books to families in their homes. He did this for his mother who worked at the library. Milton often spoke fondly of the experiences he had growing up in a small Massachusetts town. He was in the Boys Scouts for many years and loved the outdoors. While in High School he played a number of sports and lettered in basketball. After High School Milton attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute and studied civil engineering. This was right before World War II. It was at this time that he became interested in flying. He learned how to fly and became very interested in aeronautical engineering. After his graduation from WPI, Milton enrolled in Massachusetts School of Technology to pursue airplane design. When he completed this advanced studies he was hired by Lockheed Aircraft to work at their plant in Burbank, California. He packed up his belongings and with three other engineers took a road trip to the West Coast. When he arrived at Lockheed, he was ushered to an abandoned whiskey distillery away from the main plant. I think he was wondering what he had done when he walked into the old building. Much to his surprise the inside of the building was filled with the latest equipment and sitting in the center of the building was the prototype of the P-38 Lightning. He had the great fortune to being assigned to this fantastic project. He spent five years working on this great fighter plane until the end of the war.

During the following years, Milton worked in the aircraft industry for various companies. He married Thoress Tamara King in 1943 and had three children; Michael, Stephen and Susan. Milton continued to work in manufacturing and even started his own business, R and L Manufacturing.

In 1978, Milton married Dorothy Agnes Bartishen. At that point the family grew to six kids with the addition of Eileen, Lawrence and Susan. By the time that Milton and Dorothy were married, Milton had changed careers to the cemetery business. He remained in this business up to the time of his death.

Milton will be remembered for many things; his love of gardening, his love of being on the ocean and his love of travel. But most importantly, Milton will be remembered for his love of family. He cherished all the time he spent with family and was especially proud of having an ancestor on the Mayflower.

Milton died peacefully in his sleep at home on February 24, 2016. He knew he made the most of his ninety seven years and was sure he left the world a better place. He will be missed so much, but his wry smile will always live on.

Milton was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Bertha, his brothers Lincoln and Harold, his niece Marilyn Gaudette, his son Michael and daughter Susan. He was also predeceased by his grandson David Ross and granddaughter Debrah Ashby. He was further predeceased by Throress Ross and Dorothy Ross.

He is survived by his sons Stephen C. Ross (Heather) and Lawerence B. Bartishen. And daughters Eilleen (Tim) Roach and Susan (Gerry) Lazzareschi. Grandchildren Megan La Mattina, Leslie Larson, Amanda Marsh, Thomas Kaufmann, Breanne Penny, Greg Roach, Dan Lazzareschi and Bella Lazzareschi. His son-in-law, William Kaufmann. His niece Christine King and nephew David Ross. Milton is also survived by the upcoming generations; nine great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers please make donations In Memory of Milton E. Ross to the Milton E. Ross ’40 Scholarship Fund at Worcester Polytechnic Institute; 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MASS. 01609 or go to http://www.wpi.edu/offices/giving/

Arrangements under the direction of Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary FD1176, Corona Del Mar, CA.