Charles J. “Chuck” Ross, 66, of Clearfield died Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014 at his home. Mr. Ross was born July 14, 1948, the son of A.J. and Jeanne K. (Tomanio) Ross.
He was the owner and operator of Ross Buick Inc., Ross-Strattan Buick Olds Cadillac and Ross Quality Cars. He served the area 40 years in the automobile business. He was affiliated with the Clearfield Alliance Church.
He graduated from the Clearfield Area High School in the class of 1966. He attended the DuBois Business College and Thompson Business College. He was a member of Pi Rho Zeta International Associate.
In 1972 he graduated from General Motor’s Institute of Technology Dealership Management Training with high honors. In 1973 he was instrumental in having a 1973 Buick flood car given to the Clearfield Vo-Tech School.
In 1975 he signed with the Buick Motor Division, as one of the youngest Buick dealers in the country. He received numerous recognitions and sales awards from General Motors and Buick Motor Division.
He was the founding director of the Buick Dealers advertising group of the Pittsburgh zone, consisting of 97 dealers. He was a liaison to the dealers’ access center in Flint, Mich., reporting activities to the board and representing the group directly to the general manager of the Dealer Access Center, Eastern Division.
In 1984 he received the Highway Safety Award at the Governor’s Highway Safety Conference for being the first new car dealership to order, stock and maintain the car seats program in the Clearfield County area. He was recognized by the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Department for his work for child safety.
Mr. Ross was a 25-year member of the Clearfield Kiwanis International Heritage Society, which honored him for his dedication, commitment and talent to serve children of the world and improve the quality of life. He was chairman for 15 years of the Kiwanis Halloween parade.
He was a member of the Clearfield Elks No. 540 and the Fraternal Order of Police. He was a life member of the Bald Eagle Lodge No. 51 and a founding and life member of the National Street Machine Association.
Mr. Ross was active with the Grice Clearfield Community Museum, the Central Mountain Region Antique Car Club, the Buick Club of America, the American Station Wagon Owners Association and the Antique Automobile Club of America.
He was a past president of the New Car Dealers Association and chairman of the County State Inspection Group for Pennsylvania State Inspection. He was involved with the Clearfield Model Railroad Club, the Alto Model Train Museum Association and the Clearfield Volunteer Fire Company No. 1.
He was also a member of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania SOI Lodge No. 189. He served 15 years on the Water Authority Board; he was a CAST board member and Golden Bison Alumni board member.
Mr. Ross was a past president of the Clearfield United Way. He was a past borough council member, serving on numerous committees. He was the Allegheny Mountain Ducks Unlimited chairman.
He was a Tri/Gray/Y leader at the Clearfield YMCA for kids who were 7-9 years old and known as “Granny Good Witch.” He helped form the YMCA’s Curwensville to Clearfield Triathlon.
He was a past member of the Clearfield Area Jaycees. He was a Skywarn spotter for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the National Weather Service.
Mr. Ross was just honored by the Clearfield Fair & Park Board for his 50 years of service to the fair parade and backstage help during the fair each year.
He’s survived by his wife, JoAnn L. (Parlavecchio) Ross, whom he married June 11, 1982; a son, Christopher Andrew Ross and his wife, Melanie of Hanover; and four grandchildren, Emily, Brad, Benjamin and Ethan.
He’s also survived by a sister, Annette M. Forcey and her husband, Terry of Woodland; a brother, Andrew J. Ross Jr., and his wife, Annjane of Clearfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Ross was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Aaron J. Ross.
Honoring Mr. Ross’s wishes, there will be no public viewing. A memorial service celebrating his life will be announced at a later date.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Central Mountain Region Antique Car Club, P.O. Box 55, Clearfield, PA 16830; the Clearfield Model Railroaders Club, 705 Dorey St., Clearfield, PA 16830; or the American Cancer Society, 26 S. Second St., Clearfield, PA 16830.
To send online tributes, please go to www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bennett & Houser Funeral Home, Clearfield.
