Ross, Eric Stetson

4/15/60 - 7/27/15. With loving tribute, I honor the life and spirit of my brother, Eric Stetson Ross, (West Hartford, CT) who tried his best to be a brother, son, cousin, nephew, uncle, teacher and friend. Eric was hastily grabbed from our lives by a sudden, fatal heart attack, before he could accomplish all that he might have. Eric had many layers and peeling them back was a complex process. He refused to be defined by medical challenges and despite them, triumphed with numerous accomplishments: graduating from UConn in Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University in Teaching and earning a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. I greatly admired his nearly 20 years of teaching and tutoring math, science and more in Chicago’s inner city schools, especially Roger C. Sullivan High School. Eric sought to connect with his students and their parents in a variety of ways and it wasn’t an easy path. In his role of skillful teacher, he devoted himself through patience and perseverance and impacted positively on many, many lives. As a lifelong student, as well as teacher, Eric seemed most peaceful in deep study.

For many years Eric found sustenance and comradery in 12-step groups, which he could also lead with enthusiasm and skill! He had many longtime friends and associates in Chicago, a few I have had the pleasure of interacting with: Dave and Cindy, Steve Barr, a fellow racquetball player, as well as Allan, Kim, Stacy, Reese and Darryl, each shared in his life and had fond memories of his unique style and humor! Eric enjoyed movie going quite a lot and could easily present a vividly descriptive and entertaining movie critique. He also loved comedy, both telling a joke and attending stand up performances. I fondly remember sharing laughter with Eric watching Monty Python and Saturday Night Live with the original cast way back when; they were truly one of kind, like Eric! Very importantly, Eric loved his cats. Over the years he had several and they brought him peace and companionship.

Many family members brought meaning and connection to Eric’s life. Cousins, Phil (RCBub), Tammy and Simi reached out and linked up. Lionel was a mentor and big brother and Esther, Hadis and Herman cheered him on throughout his life. Eric leaves two sisters, Susan and her partner, Stan, Sara and her husband, Bobby and son, Nathan, who each sought meaningful connection and always wished him well. Eric’s father, Burt loved and adored him. His mother, Mildred loved Eric deeply and was very proud of his many accomplishments and fondly remembers a wonderful trip she took with him where she watched his delight as he parasailed and seemed momentarily carefree and happy, ecstatic to escape the world for a few moments! If it was only that easy. Beverly Johnson of Wisconsin shared a close friendship and many laughs and adventures over 25 years and a recent visit with Eric that she cherishes! Thank you to Arlene Angelastro and Family for the many fond memories of dear neighbors recalling frequent madcap entertainment, courtesy of Eric! Thank you to Loretta and the Dyson Family for loving support and humorous remembrances of childhood Eric the prankster, feigning innocence and especially to David Dyson, who played a masterful violin to beautifully close the service. Eric will again be honored in the coming year with placement of his headstone in Connecticut. Susan H. Ross Donations may be made to the Anti-Cruelty Society Animal Rescue Service, 157 West Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60654 (www.anti-cruelty.org), 312-644-8338, and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (www.ccfa.org), 800-932-2423.