Alan Ross

Alan Stewart Ross, 77, of Nashua, N.H., died at home surrounded by family on Sept. 5, 2024, following complications from his six-year battle with colon cancer.

Alan was born in Salem, Mass., on Nov. 24, 1946, to the late Stewart J. Ross and Miriam J. (Crowell) Ross. He grew up in Lynn, Mass., and his family later moved to Lynnfield, Mass., where he enjoyed playing sports at the high school, including football and baseball. Alan earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Springfield College in 1968 and spent more than 30 years as a teacher at Marshall Simonds Middle School in Burlington, Mass., retiring in 2002. He also obtained a master’s degree in education from Cambridge College and worked several summer jobs, including park ranger and trolley conductor at the Lowell National Historical Park. After retiring, he worked as a substitute teacher at Nashua High School South for a few years.

Alan married Sally (Hobbs) Ross, on June 28, 1970, and they moved to Nashua. They had two children, Tammy and Andrew. Alan loved antique cars and sports and was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox. He carried around a genuine Ted Williams autograph in his wallet for years and could frequently be found cheering on his beloved team from the comfort of his favorite recliner. Alan also enjoyed taking family vacations, cruises and traveling the country with Sally in retirement, visiting many U.S. National Parks. He played recreational senior softball for many years, both in Nashua and in Port Orange, Fla., where he and Sally had a second home for 28 years.

He was predeceased by a brother, Col. Gary C. Ross; sister-in-law, Susan Ross; brother-in-law, Richard E. Hobbs; and nephew Colin M. Ross. He leaves behind his wife Sally; daughter Tammy E. Ross of Peabody, Mass.; son Andrew S. Ross and his wife Tanya A. Salgals of Nashua; granddaughter Presley J. Ross of Nashua; sister Kathleen J. Ross and her husband, Ronald L. Barrett, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; brother Lindsey J. Ross of Hampton Falls, N.H.; brother-in-law William Hare of Melbourne, Fla.; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Charley.

Burial will be private, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute or the Humane Society for Greater Nashua.