Lester Ross, a former employee of East Hampton Town as well as a master electrician and Army veteran, died on March 22 at Sumner Regional Medical Center in Gallatin, Tenn. Mr. Ross, who was known as Poppy, was 83. The cause of death was heart failure, his family said.
Mr. Ross worked as an electrician for the town for around 30 years until retiring. He was also a self-employed master electrician for most of his adult life. As a paratrooper with the Army's 101st Airborne Division, he was stationed around the country and overseas.
In his spare time, he enjoyed golf, camping, and the company of his family and friends.
He was born on April 26, 1938, in Southampton, to Lester Ross and the former Verdis Enk. He grew up in East Hampton and graduated from East Hampton High School.
Mr. Ross and the former Doris Johnston were married on Oct. 19, 1958. His wife of 63 years, who, said his family, was the love of his life, lives in Gallatin, where the couple bought property in the 1980s and built a house in 1992. Until recently, they spent summers in East Hampton and winters in Gallatin.
Mr. Ross's son, Lanny Ross, died before him. In addition to his wife, he is survived by "the apple of his eye," his granddaughter, Hilary Ward of Canton, Ohio, and her mother, Barbara Ross of Orlando, Fla. A brother, Mike Ross of East Hampton, also survives, as does a nephew.
Visiting hours and a presentation of military honors were held on March 26 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Gallatin. A private graveside service and burial took place last week at Green River Cemetery in Springs, under the direction of the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home of East Hampton.
