October 4, 2024: Charles Ross & Son Co. has announced the death of Richard Ross, former president of the company, on September 14, 2024. Ross was a visionary leader who played an instrumental role in shaping the company’s future and global success.
Taking the helm as president in 1961, Ross’ leadership, foresight, and dedication drove Charles Ross & Son Co., also known as ROSS Mixers, to new heights establishing manufacturing facilities in New York, Georgia, and Florida.
The company said that his commitment to innovation and excellence expanded their footprint far beyond its US roots, leading to the establishment of major operations worldwide, including China and India.
In 1999, Rich established the company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a decision that not only empowered employees as stakeholders but laid the foundation for the company’s continued growth and success as a leader in industrial mixing technology.
Outside of his professional achievements, Rich had a passion for animals, travel and a deep love of the water. An avid sport fisherman, he owned many fine fishing yachts and spent much of his leisure time enjoying life on the sea.
He will be deeply missed by his family, colleagues, and the many people whose lives he touched through his work and example.
Posting on LinkedIn, Thomas Digiannurio, vice president of engineering at the firm said: “Rich gave me my start in the mixing business and I have been going strong now for 47 years. He is a good leader and always took care of his employees. I enjoyed our fishing trips with him and all the fun we had. God bless you Rich, we all know you are at peace in heaven.”
Ricky Evans, owner of EPE, also posted saying: “Rich was one of the best businessmen I’ve ever known. I learned a lot, even at a distance. My ‘Rich’ story is that not too long after I had closed a large sale, I get a call one day and the caller said: ‘This is Rich’.
“My first thought was that the guys in the office were pulling a prank on me. But it really was him. He expressed his personal appreciation and asked what techniques I had used to win the sale and what could they do better to support sales in the field. We chatted for almost an hour about projects he was doing and where he saw the company going.”
Through a mixed marriage, Rich had 14 beloved grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his two daughters, Melanie “Heather” Ross and Carol “Laurie” Ross, and his faithful Labrador, “BB”.
