Clayton Earl Ross of 3011 Kaitlin Court, Hermitage, passed away at 8:50 p.m. Tuesday (9-20-11) in his home. He was 86.
Mr. Ross was born Nov. 12, 1924, in Buffalo, N.Y., a son of Charles and F l o r e n c e Pelline Ross.
He was a graduate of the former Buffalo Technical School and attended Erie Community College, Buffalo.
Clay, as he was known, was a sales representative for Ingersoll-Rand for more than 20 years and retired in 1988. He previously worked for many years for Mobil Oil Refinery, Buffalo.
Clay, while fighting polio as a small boy, spent many days watching birds from his little wagon in his backyard. His handicap led him to become an avid lover of birds and an expert on the beautiful winged creatures, who he nurtured like children. From feeding them to building them houses, he spent much of his last years getting joy from the many birds that visited his back porch daily. He overcame his polio and went on to accomplish all the things he once believed he would never do.
Clay was an avid golfer and a member of East Aurora (N.Y.) Country Club for more than 21 years. During his retirement, he enjoyed being a starter at Oak Tree Country Club, Shenango Township. He also loved to hunt near his family cabin in Humphrey, N.Y., and was a talented woodworker. At the age of 14, he won the Buffalo Horseshoe Championship.
Perhaps one of the things most people will remember about Clay was his love for music. As a young man, he was the tenor in a quartet that sang on a local Buffalo radio show and at various local theaters in Buffalo.
The guy known as 'Howdy Doody' to children everywhere was his good friend, Bob Smith. He and Clay sang backup for many well-known singers, including Perry Como.
Last, but not least, he was a No. 1 fan of the Buffalo Bills and, of course, his much-loved Buffalo Sabres. He can now cheer them on from his front row seat in heaven. 'Go Sabres, Go' ... that one is for Clay.
Surviving are: his wife, at home, the former Florence 'Corky' Rogers, whom he married Jan. 1, 1984, in Buffalo; a son, Gerard 'Vic' Charles Ross and his wife Darlene, Buffalo; a daughter, Becky Miniea and her husband Michael, Shenango Township; and five grandchildren.
Clay was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, the former Geraldine Bradt, whom he married in 1947, in September 1983; a brother, Everett 'Ben' Ross; and two sisters, Eleanor Kerwin and Elaine Boltz.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
ROSS Clayton Earl, 86, of 3011 Kaitlin Court, Hermitage.
Calling hours: There are no calling hours. Friends may e-mail condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory. co m
Service: Mass of Christian burial at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday (9-27-11) in Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage, with the Rev. Jeffery J. Noble, pastor, as celebrant.
Interment: St. Rose Cemetery Mausoleum, Hermitage.
Arrangements by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.