Charles Ross

With deep sorrow, we share the news of the passing of Charles L. Ross Jr., age 88, of Bridgeport,

CT. He peacefully entered eternal rest on March 3, 2025, at Veteran Memorial Hospital, West

Haven, CT. His presence will be greatly missed, and our hearts go out to all who knew and loved

him.

Charles, affectionately known as Junior, was born on August 3, 1936, to the late Charles L. Ross

Sr. and Julia Ward Ross in Lynchburg, Virginia. He was the fifth of seven children and their only

son. He received his education in the Lynchburg school system. After graduating high school,

Junior served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged. In 1957, he relocated

to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he worked for several companies, including Jenkin Valve and

Goodwill Industries. He also served as an Auxiliary Police officer in the city of Bridgeport, CT.

from 1977-1986.

Junior enjoyed spending time in local parks, especially Seaside, where he played horseshoes. He

also loved riding his motorcycle.

In 1968, Charles married Ella “Linda” Watts Ross. Together, they had three children: Tyra L.

Ross, Charles L. Ross III (Jay Jay)(Janette) of Phoenix, AZ, and Marilyn Ross of Bridgeport,

CT. Junior also had three older children: Deborah Jefferson of Buffalo, NY; John

McDuffie(Crystal) of Bridgeport, CT and Tracey Vereen of Bridgeport, CT.

Junior also had three stepchildren: William Nunez Jr. (Stephanie), Sonia Nunez (Dennis), and

Martiza Nunez. Junior had sixteen grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-

grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles L. Ross Sr. and Julia Ward Ross; his daughter,

Tyra L. Ross; his stepdaughter, Maritza Nunez; his grandson, Eddie Ray Josie; his granddaughter

Miranda McDuffie; his great-grandson, Delvonte Jefferson; his great-great-granddaughter,

Keiguri Williams; and his sisters: Dorothy R. Eaton, Julia R. McDuffie, Delores R. Hardwell,

Marie R. Howard, Ruby R. Penix, and Lillian R. Trayham.

Services have been entrusted to Community Funeral Chapels located at 798 Park Ave. Bridgeport, CT 06604. A memorial service to honor and celebrate Charles’s life will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Messiah Baptist Church, 210 Congress Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut, 06604.