Earl W. Ross of North Avondale died on December 25, 2022. He leaves his loving wife of 23 years, Joyce Thieman; three sons, Warren (M.J.), Jeffrey (Jeff), Douglas (Donna) and grandson, Jackson. Earl was born in Brooklyn, New York to Warren Russell Ross and Sonia Ziv. Earl attended Brooklyn Technical High School and then pursued his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering at the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute (today, the NYU School of Engineering). This led to a long, creative and productive career as an engineer.
After a successful career with The Bendix Corporation, moved to Cincinnati where he launched into his new career as a Principal Metallurgical Engineer for the aeronautics laboratories of General Electric. At GE, Earl thrived as an inventor of new metal alloys, which were patented and employed in the new jet engine turbine blades for both the commercial airline industry and the U.S. military. In fact, Earl had 9 patents to his name. After a long and fruitful career, he retired in 1991.
Earl became a long time resident of North Avondale in 1968 remaining in the same home for more than 50 years. He was deeply involved in the community both socially and politically including tenure as local Democratic Precinct Executive in the 1970’s, president of the Clinton Hills Swim Club in the 1980’s and mentoring minorities in Math, Science and Engineering in the 90’s and 2000’s.
Earl was a naturalist with a passion for bird watching. Always eager for new experiences, he and Joyce continued to travel often, well into his 90’s, indulging in his love of the outdoors, food and dining out. He was an avid photographer. A particular enthusiast of mid-century jazz and folk music, he had an extensive recording collection. Earl’s warmth, love of life and family and his curiosity about so many things will be greatly missed. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm for all life had to offer. Services were held at Spring Grove Funeral Homes on Saturday, February 18th, 2023. Memorial contributions can be made in Earl’s honor to the Cincinnati Nature Center-Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, Ohio 45150.