Geraldine D Ross

·  Geraldine Dolores Ross, of Hampton, New Hampshire, died peacefully at home, in her sleep, March 20, 2021 – the first day of Spring. She was 89. Born January 16, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York to Anastasia and Paul Gagliano.

       Her life-long career was in academia, where she began as a faculty administrator at Stonybrook University in New York, before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin. At UT Austin, Gerry served in an administrative position for over 20 years, primarily in the Department of Mexican Studies - under the direction of her future husband, Dr. Stanley Ross. She also served as an administrative assistant in the Department of Archaeology from 1986-1993, and as Administrative Assistant to Terrell Blodgett in the LBJ School of Public Affairs, from 1993-1995. Following her retirement from the University of Texas, she relocated to Hampton, New Hampshire in 1996.

     Gerry is survived by her brother, Eugene Gagliano; sisters-in-law - Elaine Gagliano and Renate Gagliano, brother-in-law James Mahoney, as well as 14 nieces and nephews and their families, cousins, and stepson Steven Ross and his family. She was preceded in death in 1985, by her beloved husband, Dr. Stanley Ross; her parents, her sister – Eileen Mahoney; and two brothers – Dr. Francis Gagliano and Fr. Alfred Gagliano.

     Reared from childhood in both Fort Hamilton/Brooklyn and Rockville Centre, New York, many of Gerry’s fondest memories were of her time spent with family and friends together at Hampton Beach during the mid-1930s – late 1940s. Following her retirement at UT Austin, Gerry was eager to return to this region she dearly loved with Hampton, New Hampshire her cherished retirement “hometown” for nearly the past three decades.

     Gerry was an avid reader – with Pearl Zane Grey her favorite author as she so enjoyed his popular adventure novels and stories associated with the American Frontier. Besides reading her favorite authors, Gerry – well known for her routines and rituals – looked forward every morning to reading two daily newspapers, playing solitaire, working crossword puzzles, and of course… reading her favorite authors.

     A devout Catholic, she attended Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal Catholic Church, in Hampton. Gerry was also well known and respected for her great love for animals – especially greyhounds. Over the years, she adopted several “rescue” greyhounds (her favorite was “Rena”) and would often be seen running her dog along the beautiful Hampton Beach shoreline. In addition to her devotion to her church and her greyhound companions, Gerry was a very generous donor to many charities including the Hampton Historical Society and animal rescue leagues/associations.

     The family would like to especially express appreciation to Gerry’s caregivers these past months: Chrissy Wogan LNA, Julie Marcoullier RN, and Renee Mailhot LSW with Beacon Hospice, for providing such excellent care. In addition, the family wishes to express their appreciation to Gerry’s neighbor and friend in Hampton, Cindy Kamberelis, for so often looking in on Gerry to make sure she was doing well; and appreciation to Robyn Bushong, Galveston, Texas, for her long-time, devoted friendship to Gerry. Robyn first met Gerry in 1969 as her neighbor in Austin and their friendship grew and sustained for 52 years, blessed by conversation just before Gerry’s passing.

     The funeral service will be held Monday, March 29 at 10:30am at Philip and James Church in St James, NY. Under the direction of St. James Funeral Home, burial will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Coram, New York. Gerry’s wishes were that her beloved husband’s ashes be placed with her in her casket; their names together, loving husband and wife, etched on the crypt. Pall Bearers for the service will be Tom Gagliano, Timothy Gagliano, Matt Gagliano, Brian Mahoney, Jeff Gagliano, and William Gagliano.

Contributions may be made in Gerry’s name to: Sacred Heart School 289 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH 03842.

Gerry Ross will be remembered for her strong faith, sincere love of family, devotion to her beloved rescue greyhounds, for her love of Hampton Beach, and for her generosity to charitable organizations and to the Catholic Church of NH - Diocese of Manchester.

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