Joseph Sigvald Ross, 85
Joseph Sigvald Ross, age 85, passed away peacefully after a short illness on February 25, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born July 10, 1940 in Dover, NJ and grew up in Denville with his parents Carl and Anna Ross, sister Maria (Mia) Greco, and brother Carl Ross Jr. (all deceased). He later moved to Pembroke, MA where he opened his own appliance store, coached baseball for many years, and enjoyed running the sound system for the town’s Memorial Day celebration. He became an engineer at Raytheon and took pride in his work on the Apollo program and our national defense.
Joe married his wife Cathy (formerly Pierce) and they spent 39 loving years together. At home, you could usually find Joe in the kitchen perfecting family recipes (like Nana Ross’ spaghetti sauce, gravy, or meatloaf), but whenever dining out he’d get the daily special to eat the freshest meal. He loved to be outside, manicuring his lawn, gardening, or puttering around the house fixing anything and everything. He found it invigorating to snowblow in the New England weather, but he gratefully passed the torch to his family just in time for the Blizzard of 2026.
Joe also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He mastered the art of stealth for hunting so well that he often spooked Cathy around the house. He taught his family patience by bringing them along on his fishing trips where everyone eventually learned that it was never really about the fish.
Joe liked to debate with friends and family but reminded us to never go to sleep mad. He was a man of conviction who took a strong interest in politics, proudly wore his Pittsburgh Steelers jacket in New England territory, and even claimed that he was the inventor of the color red.
Joe was predeceased by his son William (Billy) Ross and daughter Tammy Mattson. He is survived by his loving wife Cathy of Plymouth, his son Michael Ross and wife Qianwen of Holliston, his daughter Stacy Coen and husband Scott of Lakeville, six grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. Joe had a special connection with his grandchildren and loved seeing them grow as he watched the gradual maturing of his family over the years.
Joe will be deeply missed, but his strength and wisdom will live on through the lives he touched. His family appreciates the outpouring of love and support they have received. A celebration of Joe’s life will be held this Spring.
Those wishing to honor Joe’s life may make a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (stjude.org/donate) or raise a cup of Dunkin Donuts medium hot coffee, light with three sugars.
