John Dominic Ross III, 97

It is with great love, sadness and an overwhelming sense of pride that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Johnny Boy (John Dominic Ross III), who peacefully completed his circle of life on Sunday morning, March 16th, 2025, at the age of 97. Dad was born on a beautiful Sunday, October 30th, 1927, and left us on another beautiful Sunday, a testament to the peaceful and full life he led.

A true son of Gig Harbor, Dad’s roots run deep in this community. His grandfather, John Ross, and his brother Luca, immigrated from Yugoslavia in the 1880s and were among the founding families of Gig Harbor. Dad’s father, John Ross II, was born in Gig Harbor where he also fished the Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. He lived his entire life in Gig Harbor, as Dad did, along with three more generations of the John Ross family. The Ross’ are very proud of this community.

In 1948, Dad married Marilyn Romaneski, on June 26th. Together, they shared a remarkable 77 years of marriage, always by each other’s side—except for the times Dad spent commercially fishing in the early years. They lived a life full of joy, friendship, and fun, surrounded by their friends and relatives in Gig Harbor.

Dad eventually transitioned from fishing to real estate, joining Jerry Schofield at Schofield Real Estate. Later, he established his own real estate company in Gig Harbor, John D. Ross Realty, which eventually became John Ross/Harbor Tides Realty, leaving a mark on the business community in Gig Harbor.

As avid golfers, Dad and Mom spent many happy hours on the course, members of the Gig Harbor Golf Course, and enjoyed golfing daily during their winter months in Phoenix. They also shared a love for travel, where the world was their journey.

Our family would like to thank the City of Gig Harbor for honoring Dad by lowering the flags to half-mast on March 17th, 2025, and to the fishermen of Gig Harbor, who flew their flags in tribute to another fallen Gig Harbor fisherman.

Dad was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Eva Ross; his parents, John II and Laura Ross; his sister, Lorraine (Ross) Reynolds; his son, Alan Ross; and his grandson, Ross Tello. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and their children: John IV, Danny, Debra Kerr Ross (Alan), Marc (Virginia), and Susie (Gonzalo). Dad also leaves behind his five grandchildren: John V (Aly), Shannon (Brady), Diana (Charlie), Jason (Markee), and Lucy as well as his six great-grandchildren: Leif, John VI, Alaina, Bodi, Charlotte, Murphy, and Lola. He was beloved by all who knew him and loved just about everyone he met.

Dad loved his visits, his golf outings and growing up in the Harbor with his first cousin and best friend, Jake Bujacich. These two cohorts did many things together (many that cannot be printed), from their early years fishing in the predawn mornings before going to school, to seining together in the Puget Sound, to continued being best of friends for over 90 years, living not but a block away from each other for all those years.

Dad’s legacy of love, laughter, and community will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A celebration will be announced in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, the Ross Family would be honored to have you donate to the WSU Ross Tello Strategic Communications Courage Scholarship. You can contribute online using this link.

Alternatively, donations may be made to Seattle Children’s Hospital in honor of Ross Tello by using this link:
Donate to Seattle Children’s

Rest in peace, Dad. You were truly one of a kind, and your spirit will forever guide us.