Daryl F. Ross

Daryl F. Ross, age 68, dear partner, father, and grandfather, died unexpectedly at St. Francis Hospital on October 17, 2019.

A lifelong resident of Manchester, Daryl was born to John F. Ross III and Wilma Hawes Ross.   He graduated from MHS in 1969. He graduated from the University of Hartford in three Years with a B.S. in Psychology. While working full time at CT Valley Hospital as a psychiatric aide, Daryl attained his J.D. from UConn Law School.

His practice of criminal, worker’s comp, and personal injury law in Meriden and Manchester for over thirty years generated many “war” stories and cautionary tales repeated for family and friends;  often saying “I’d take that case any day of the week!”

In 1972 Daryl married Barbara Garrison Ross.  Her sudden death in 1989 brought challenges but formed Daryl’s unique nurturing and enduring bond with his beloved children Melissa and Matt.  

Daryl enjoyed trips to Brimfield Antique Shows, Cape Cod, and Disney World.  As an alumnus and UCMB member’s parent he followed UConn basketball and football.  Matt and he enjoyed Craigslist values and excursions as well as gathering firewood. Daryl felt fortunate with his children’s spouses, their embarking on the family’s journey. In recent years and retirement he was gifted with local grandchildren he and Nana Fran amused and tended. They went together to the Jorgensen Theater, The Bushnell, UConn Dairy Bar, Papa Gino’s, movies, musicals, games, and on hikes.  The grandkids refreshed his enjoyment of Harry Potter and occasionally dared to snatch his signature cap. Daryl was an avid window shopper, particularly for BIG holiday items, often for treats for others.

While Daryl’s heart ultimately failed, he had strong personal convictions as well as vigor to assist family, friends, and acquaintances in need.  He shared, at a moment’s notice, his time, energy and/or legal expertise. He thrived on “demolition work”, repairs, tree stump removal, moving projects, “organization” and opening his home to care and support family.  He reveled in ribald storytelling.

In addition to his parents, in-laws, and wife, Daryl was predeceased by a nephew, David Christiansen. He is survived by his life partner, M. Frances Reese, his children Melissa (Matthew) Silberberg, Matthew (Kelly) Ross, and his adored grandchildren: Sarah, Briana, Ryan, Emily and Emma.  He leaves his sisters Rochelle Scheibenpflug (niece Amy) and Melanie (Terry) Christiansen. Also, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, their spouses and generations of cousins. Daryl leaves “family” in friends of many years.  

The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Francis Cardiac ICU for their dedicated effort and compassionate care for Daryl.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Friends of the Manchester Public Library ℅ Mary Cheney Library, 586 Main St., Manchester, CT 06040 or MRC (Manchester Running Company) Track & Field Series, 10 Lori Rd., Bolton, CT 06043.

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