Calling hours are Friday for Ross J. Paulenich, Hermitage, who passed away peacefully at 12:26 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015, in his residence, with his family at his side, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 28. Ross was born May 6, 1986, in Sharon, a son of Harry J. Paulenich Jr. and Judith Kaiser Paulenich. Ross was raised in Hermitage and graduated from Hickory High School in 2004. He matriculated to Clarion University, where he earned two bachelor degrees, one in environmental biology and another in geographic information systems. Following school, he worked for Kriebel Gas and Oil Investments, Clarion, and later at Mercer County Courthouse in the recorders office. Most recently, he was employed by Range Resources, Abingdon, Va. It would be an understatement to say Ross loved the outdoors. He spent much of his free time fishing and hunting, and he never missed an opportunity to get out in the woods, or out on the lake. He had a laid-back demeanor and truly enjoyed the simple things in life. He was happiest when he was in his tree stand at dawn, or bird hunting or fishing with friends and family. Ross leaves behind his parents, Harry and Judith Paulenich, Hermitage; his brother, Ryan H. Paulenich, Mercer; and his grandmother, Christine Paulenich. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Harry J. Paulenich Sr., and maternal grandparents, Fred and Anna Mae Kaiser. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial contributions be made to Mercer County Conservation District, 24 Avalon Court, Suite 300, Mercer, PA 16137. Calling hours: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday (2-27-15) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.