Thomas H. Ross, age 74 of Fairport, died January 4, 2026, in the Critical Care Unit of Highland Hospital with Betsy, his wife of 44 years, by his side.
Tom was born in Jersey City, New Jersey to Virginia and William Ross, and grew up in Secaucus, residing there until 1981, when he moved to Fairport.
He attended Weehawken High School and went on to Newark College of Engineering, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, receiving several awards for his study and application of concrete. While in college he was accepted into the ROTC program and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Columbus Air Force Base Mississippi, serving as a Supervisor of Civil Engineering and managing the development and upkeep of the airfield facilities. It was there that his passion for flying blossomed. He pursued that throughout his life, eventually earning several FAA pilot ratings, including multi-engine and commercial licenses.
After his honorable discharge, he joined the Federal Aviation Administration as an engineer for new construction projects, a position he held until his retirement from Federal service. He managed several major projects, including the control towers in Rochester, Buffalo, Washington National Airport, Andrews Air Force Base and Dulles International, in addition to several air traffic radar facilities at other large airports across the northeast.
In appreciation for his 37 years of dedicated service, upon retirement he was presented with an American flag that had flown over the U.S. Capital on January 11, 2011. It is symbolic of his exemplary career that was devoted to the establishment of world class aviation facilities that comprise the safest aviation system in the world.
Tom thoroughly enjoyed rooting for his favorite sports teams, the New York Giants, New York Yankees, and the New Jersey Devils. Win or lose, he loved attending games with his friends.
He loved to travel and one item on his life-long “bucket list” was to travel to all 50 states, which he finally achieved in 2019. He loved the arts and was a season ticket holder of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra for many years where he rarely missed a Pops or Philharmonic performance. He looked forward to attending productions at GEVA, and especially loved movies at the Little Theatre.
Tom is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Betsy); brother David (Linda) Ross, brother-in-law Thomas (Deirdre) Sexstone; niece Colleen (Craig) Nowacki; nephews Daniel Ross, Matthew (Kara) Ross; Brian (Tara) Sexstone; Scott (Sarah) Sexstone and numerous grand-nephews and nieces.
His family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the entire, wonderful staff at Highland Hospital’s Critical Care Unit, especially the Night Charge Nurse, Julie Weiler.
Calling Hours Saturday January 10, 2026 10-11:30Am at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Highland Hospital Foundation.
6 responses to “Ross, Thomas H.”
We will miss you. Love you very much. Enjoy your eternal life.
We will miss you every day! The boys and I will be sure to cheer on your Giants, Devils, and Yankees (as long as they aren’t playing the Titans, Flyers, or Mets 😊) love you SO MUCH!
I would like to send my deepest Condolences to Betsy and ALL the Sexstone Family. God Bless to All during this difficult time. 💙🙏😇
Sincerely,
Nancy Geraci
Tom was my mentor, my friend, my co worker, my employee, my retirement friend. A person I could count on, a person who always did more, who cared, who was passionate about everything he undertook. I will miss you Tom. To the whole family I send my love. Betsy you are amazing. Jorj and I will see you soon.
Deeply sorry to see you leave us Tom. You were a good friend, FAA coworker and fellow Giants fan over many years. Susan and I have many fond memories of the fun we had together, including all the places and events we enjoyed (and those Giants games!). You’ve left us all a legacy of service, dedication and accomplishments to be remembered and admired. You will be missed indeed buddy but it is reassuring to know you are now in a better place, enjoying heavenly peace and final rest you deserved.
Our deepest sympathy is offered to wife Betsy and family in
their loss as well fulfillment in celebrating a life well lived.
May our love and support help you and family members in this time of loss.