Communiqué
WOUB is mourning the loss of former Director of Engineering Ted Ross
< < Back toRoss passed away December 3
ATHENS, OH – WOUB is saying goodbye today to a long-time colleague and friend. Former WOUB Director of Engineering Ted Ross passed away on December 3 at the Selma Markowitz Care Center, operated by Hospice of Central Ohio. He was 64 years old. A memorial service celebrating his life is being held today (Thursday, December 9) in his hometown of Somerset, Ohio.
“Ted was the kind of person others aspired to be,” said long-time co-worker and eventual supervisor WOUB Chief Technology Officer Steve Skidmore. “He had a positive attitude no matter what he was doing. He was a man dedicated to God, his family and his work.”
Ross graduated from The Ohio State University, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree. Prior to retiring, Ross worked at WOUB for 15 years. Ross also worked at WSFJ television station for 20 years starting in master control, and rising through the ranks, finishing as the vice president and general manager.
“Ted and I were like brothers,” said Skidmore. “He never knew when quitting time came. Ted went home when he thought he accomplished enough. He was very meticulous and precise. He was always a pleasure to be around.”
Among his colleagues, family and friends, Ross was also known for his great sense of humor.
“One time, WOUB was having a holiday party, and Ted, another employee and I were putting on a skit,” said Skidmore. “We were doing Constant Sorrow from O Brother, Where Art Thou? and we were dressing up as the three bearded men. As we were getting dressed, Ted said ‘How you like my hat?’ We turned around to look and there was Ted in bib overalls and toboggan, no shirt, no shoes. We started laughing so hard, there were tears in our eyes. Whatever Ted did, he did 100%.”
Ross is survived by his wife of 38 years, Kimberly A. (Kenney) Ross, whom he married December 3, 1983; three sons, Zac (Caitlin Corns) Ross, Gabe (Isabella Gano) Ross and Jacob Ross; two sisters, Judy Campbell and Janet McNeal; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
“Ted was the guy who would get it done, no matter what the task,” said Skidmore. “I don’t know of anybody who ever heard anything negative said about Ted. He was one of a kind and will be missed.”