Stanley Marvin Ross

Stan was born on March 28, 1932 in Dorchester, MA, the oldest child of Evelyn (Showstack) and Irving Ross. Stan graduated Boston Latin in 1949 and enrolled at Boston University that same year. In 1951 Stan interrupted his studies to serve his country in the Army. Stan served with honor and distinction in the Korean War from 1952 – 1954. He resumed his studies after he was honorably discharged from the Army and graduated from Boston University in 1956.

In 1957, Stan started a long and successful career in the foodservice industry, as a founding partner of Stantoni’s sub shop in South Boston. The shop was very successful but after some years, Stan realized that there was no one place for restauranteurs to go to purchase all their provisions, and in 1965 Stan and his business partner started Riccotti Distributors, a virtual one-stop shop for restaurants to purchase their dry goods and frozen and fresh foods. Around the same time, Stan founded Riccotti Sub Shops, a small chain that would later be franchised in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

In 1980, Stan and the love of his life Fran (Giambusso) married. At the time, Stan had three children, and Fran had four, his bonus children, and together they had one child, the glue to their wonderful family. With their love and nurturing, their two families quickly became one. Stan and Fran raised their families in Dedham before moving to Canton, MA in 1996.

In 1982, Stan moved his food distributor business to West Bridgewater and also became the Vice President and General Manager of Progressive Foods, Inc., the food distribution unit of D’Angelo’s Inc. Stan served in this capacity, and as its purchasing agent until his retirement in 1998. In 1988 Stan and Fran bought Kwik-e Sub Shop in Needham and they ran the store, with the help of their children through 1992.

When Stan retired in 1998, he and Fran started spending part of the year in Delray Beach, Florida, but no matter where they were, they made it a home for their children and grandchildren. As their family grew, their kids, at one point or another, came back to live, with their grandchildren, all to the open arms of Fran and Stan. It was always a full and loving house. Stan always told his children, “I am the richest man that I know. Fran and I have built the most wonderful family”. This is one of the most valuable lessons that they taught their children. He loved his family and friends above all else, followed by his lifelong love of the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics and Bruins. Stan was an avid skier and golfer, and always ready to debate the topics of the day, but above all else, he cherished and enjoyed his time with Fran and his family.

Stan is survived by his loving wife Fran, their eight children and spouses, Scott Ross, Eric Ross (Lee Ann), Rhonda Colwell (Kevin), Marc Ross (Lisa), Donna Dominguez (Eddie), Frank Holmes (Kirsten), Ronnie Holmes (Lori) and Steven, and their eighteen grandchildren, Doug Colwell (Erica), Andrew Dominguez (Sarah), Christopher Dominguez (Jenny), Danny Colwell, Sunni Dominguez Carmichael (Dan), Tommy O’Connor, Frankie Colwell, Michael O’Connor, Jenna Ross, Rachel Ross, Kevin O’Connor, Julia Holmes, Natalie Holmes, Jacob Ross, Johanna Holmes, Tori Holmes, Tyler Holmes and Isabella Ross, and three-great grandchildren, A.J. Dominguez, Ava Grace Dominguez, and Dougie Colwell III. He is also survived by his sister and six nieces and nephews, and pre-deceased by his brother Michael Ross.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Veterans Administration at volunteer.va.gov