Jay Kenneth Ross passed away on August 20, 2022 at the age of 62.
Jay was born prematurely on December 7, 1959, at Horton Hospital in Middletown, to Jack and Doris Ross. However, despite being born on the 7th he was not brought home from the hospital until late December a fact he would continually use to poke fun at his mother and tease that she “just didn’t want to buy extra presents.”
Jay is survived by his wife Stacey Ross, who was the love of his life his daughters Ashley Murray (Nick Murray) and Rebecca Ross Deyo, Mother in Law Shirley Smith, his four Grandchildren Tanner Murray, Deegan Deyo, Easton Murray, and Freya Murray; his loving Sister Diane Myers (Michael Myers); two nephews Ryan Myers (Jessica Myers) and Sean Myers; two nieces Lara Nowicki (Brian Nowicki) and Dr. Kate Woll (Dr. Chris Woll), and many, many friends. Residing at home is his African Grey parrot “Pepper” who made Jay laugh every day with her “Colorful” language that sounds exactly like Jay, and “Murphy”, his English Cocker Spaniel.
Jay was a lifelong resident of Wallkill, and served the Hamlet of Wallkill community in multiple agencies. He spent the majority of his career as a Correctional Officer at Wallkill Correctional Facility. He was a member of the Wallkill Fire Department where he served as a past Lieutenant, Captain, Chief Driver, President, Member of the Benevolent Board, and Fire Commissioner. Other notable employments include Police Dispatcher for the Shawangunk Police Department, Court Officer for Town of Shawangunk Court, “Friendly Greeter of the Bereaved” at Millspaugh Funeral Homes, Superintendent of the New Hurley Cemetery, and “multi-talented jack of all trades” at Napa Autoparts in Gardiner. It was at Napa where he found his favorite post-retirement job working side by side with Paul and Lenora Metrando.
He had a wide array of interests and hobbies. He was an avid fan of trains and the RJ Corman Railroad. He loved Jeep Willys and had two he was building. He recently dabbled in aviation with his drone, having been taught by his friend Rick Olsen.
His family and friends will always miss him dearly.
Jay’s full obituary can be found on the Millspaugh Funeral Home website.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Double H Ranch, doublehranch.org or the charity of one’s choice.
Jay’s family would greatly appreciate your memories of Jay. Please send your stories to memoriesofjayross@gmail.com.