East Palestine, OH -

Francis Ross, 96, formerly of East Palestine, passed away 6:55 a.m., Monday, December 10, 2018 at Windsor House of Canfield where he had resided.

Francis was born February 15, 1922 in East Palestine, a son of the late Dominic and Theresa Ferraiuolo Ross and has been a life-long resident of the community. A granduate of East Palestine High School, he was a World War II U.S. Army Air Force Veteran in the European Theatre. Francis had been employed with the former Pittsburgh Chair Company and had later retired after 39 years with the former Kenmar Division of Ethan Allen Furniture.

He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church; an avid golfer and member of the East Palestine Country Club; and also enjoyed gardening.

Francis is survived by his wife, Irene C. (Rafferty) Ross, whom he married August 24, 1946; two daughters, Bonnie K. (Ron) Novak of East Palestine, and Christine A. (George) Sultan of Youngtown; a daughter-in-law, Cathy Ross of Negley; five grandchildren, Debra (Sean) Kuner, Krisann (Jamie) Lewis, Scott (Michelle) Ross, Mark (Erica) Ross, and Gregory Sultan; and seven great grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Francis P. Ross on December 15, 2014. He was also preceded in death by five brothers, Samuel, Albert, Joseph, Henry and Ernest Ross; and two sisters, Mary West and Rose Castiglioni.

Friends will be received from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 12th at the Linsley-Royal Funeral Home in East Palestine. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, December 13th at 11:00 a.m. with Father Christopher Cicero of the church officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Our Ladies Campaign, c/o Our Lady of Lourdes, 180 Seventh Street, Columbiana, OH 44408.