Alvin "Al" Ross

Alvin Earl Ross, known simply as Al, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on June 1, 1935, in Gary, Indiana, to Meyer and Bertha Ross as a first-generation American, Al will be remembered for his easygoing sense of humor, love of family, and passion for life’s simple pleasures.

Al’s early years in Gary shaped his career in sales, beginning with jewelry before he found his calling in various ventures, including managing gas stations and owning a liquor store in Georgetown. His work ethic was matched by his deep curiosity for the world, which led him to enroll in Indiana University where he took a stab at learning Russian. However, Al’s path shifted, and he chose to serve his country, enlisting in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959. Stationed in Germany, Al’s military service allowed him to explore much of Europe, igniting a love of travel that would take him across five continents in his lifetime.

After leaving the Army, Al moved to San Francisco, where he met the love of his life, Ellen Kramer. In a whirlwind romance, the two were engaged within five months and married shortly after in an intimate ceremony at Ellen’s family home in Silver Spring, Maryland in January 1965. From that moment, Al and Ellen built a beautiful life together, filled with travel, love, and laughter.

Al was a man of many interests, but above all, he cherished his family. He enjoyed relaxing at the beach house, reading spy novels, watching Jeopardy!, and solving crossword puzzles. His love for Washington sports teams—the Capitals, Bullets, Redskins—and his lifelong allegiance to the Chicago Cubs were well-known among friends and family. A man of refined tastes, Al took great joy in savoring a good glass of wine. His ability to research and select the perfect vintage was unmatched, often scouring wine shops for the best finds. His talent for this will be greatly missed.

In his early retirement, Al stayed active by playing tennis and golf—tennis until just a few years ago and golf up until just weeks before his passing. He also spent his retirement years giving back, volunteering to drive cancer patients to their medical appointments. His generosity and kind spirit left a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to know him.

Al’s skills as a salesman extended beyond his career, proving invaluable on the other side of the table as well. His granddaughter Katie was amazed by his keen ability to negotiate her first car purchase, a moment that highlighted not only his sharp mind but also his love for helping his family in any way he could.

Family meant everything to Al, and he will be deeply missed by his wife of nearly six decades, Ellen; his son Steve, his wife Aida, and his children Katie, Barbara and Matthias; and Al’s younger brother Ashley and his wife Joan. Al’s close bond with Ellen’s father, Harold Kramer, after the early loss of his own father, was a testament to the love and respect he cultivated in his relationships.

Al’s wit and charm were evident in everything he did, including one recent humorous email, shared with family and friends after Ellen’s hip replacement surgery:

Subject: Hip Hip Hooray                                                      Hello anxious friends and relatives:

Went in at 11:00 AM

Out 12:30 PM

Bad hip out

New hip in

Soon ready for

Tonic and Gin.

Thank you for all your concern.

Al lived his life with humor, love, and a deep appreciation for every moment. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, joy, and unforgettable memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Al’s memory to one of his favorite charities or any charity of your choice.

• College Tracks: https://www.collegetracksusa.org/donate/

• Habitat For Humanity Metro Maryland: https://habitatmm.org/donate/honor-memorial-giving.html

• Friends of Brookside Gardens: https://www.friendsofbrooksidegardens.org/donate