Stephen James Ross

Stephen James Ross, 80, of West Chester, PA, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Diane Altemose Ross, with whom he shared 38 years of marriage. Born in Mechanicsburg, PA, Steve was the son of the late Lester F. and Anna Elizabeth Troup Ross.

Steve proudly served as a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps between 1962 and 1966 as a helicopter technician. He completed his basic training at Paris Island in 1963 and, thereafter, served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He received an honorable discharge in 1966.

Upon completion of his service to our country, Steve worked at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut for a short time before commencing his lifelong service to municipal government. His first job was Assistant Borough Manager in Mechanicsburg. He then became Assistant  Borough Manager in Phoenixville and, later, Manager in Lower Providence Township before embarking on his crowning achievements as Manager in West Whiteland Township. Over his nearly 30 years in that position (1976-2005), he was proudest of his efforts to obtain land for and develop what has become Exton Park, Miller Park, and Boot Road Park. He also initiated  the Miller Park Summer Concert Series.  Before retiring, Steve served an additional 5 years as Manager in Franklin and West Pikeland Townships.

Steve was a member of the International City Management Association, Association of Pennsylvania Municipal Managers (President 1984), Southeast Pennsylvania Municipal Management Association, Chester County Solid Waste Authority (Chairman 1987), and Chester County Consortium of Managers. He received the inaugural Larry Bowling Excellence in Government Award (1995) and the Exton Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award (1989). He even had a street named after him (James Ross Drive in Exton).

Steve belonged to West Chester Golf and Country Club for 25 years, was an active member of Grove United Methodist Church, volunteered at the Coatesville VA, and was a member of the West Whiteland Township Friends of the Park. He enjoyed golf, reading, concerts, mall walking, Penn State and Eagles football, the Phillies, winters in St. Petersburg, FL, and Phillies Spring Training.

In addition to his wife, Steve is survived by his children Stephen Ross, Jr., Sara (Dennis) DiGirolamo, and Joseph Ross; grandchildren Gabrielle and Jacquelyn; sisters Rebecca Yost and Joan Mains; and cousins, nieces, nephews, dogs and a host of friends, all of whom will truly miss him.

Steve’s family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 pm on Tuesday, April 23rd, at the James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, then again on Wednesday, April 24th, from 10 to 10:45 am at Grove United Methodist Church, 490 W. Boot Road, West Chester, PA 19380 where his memorial service will take place at 11 am and conclude with the rendering of military honors. The church will be livestreaming Steve's service and can be accessed by clicking here.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, the Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Foundation, or to Grove United Methodist Church at the address provided above.