Obituary of Harold Ross

Obituary Harold Ross
On November 14, 1933, Harold Ross was born to the late Agatha Furlon and Elmore Ross in Panama
City, Panama. He was one of ten siblings, Clive Ross, Anita Reid, Horacio Ross, Jean Robinson, Gerald
Ross, Patricia Ross, the late Merlin Facey, Alicia Ross, Margaret Pauline Thompson, and Ernesto McKie.
With his cousin Gino and good friends like Bull Brathwaite, Cha-cha, and Carlos Brathwaite, Harold
developed a close bond that lasted a lifetime. It was these special relationships that taught Harold the
meaning of “Familia”. Their relationship grew even stronger as they enjoyed playing baseball, attending
boxing matches, and socializing at various family events. Early on, it was evident that Harold assumed
the role as a defender of the family and a fierce fighter. Anyone who challenged his family or friends
risked a serious encounter with Mr. Ross. Moreover, he understood the importance of a quality education.
Harold believed education to be an essential tool for moving out of poverty and into a productive future.
One of his famous sayings was “they can take things from you, but they can never take your education”.
Harold Ross went on to successfully completed his education from one of the most prestigious High
Schools in Panama, Institutional de Nacional. Along with cousin Eugen “Gino”, Harold acquired the skill
sets to successfully navigate the challenges of life and the inspiration to serve as a political leader. In
1948, Harold Ross ran for the Assistant Congressman position along with Mr. Tappin in Panama City.
Running for office gave Harold the drive and determination to be successful in life, which ultimately led to
the pursuit of becoming a citizen of the United States.
In 1957, his dreams became a reality through the sponsorship for immigration from his Uncle, Daniel
Ross. In 1962 (five years later), Harold Ross became a citizen of the United States. He was quickly hired
for employment by Merrill Sharpe men's clothing store. Through this role, he became the first
Afro-Caribbean-Latino to oversee their shipping department, spanning distribution for both domestic and
international sales. At Merrill Sharpe, Harold Ross quickly excelled as a dedicated worker which lasted
his entire career. Within the community, Harold was a source of men’s accessories to friends and family
throughout his employment. The Garment industry was not enough for Harold. He later became a
successful entrepreneurial landlord by acquiring a rental property which he held for over fifteen years.
Above all, Harold’s greatest accomplishment was being the father to his three children, Debora, Orlando
and Melissa, and Grandfather to his only Grandson Esteban. While being a strict disciplinarian, he always
cherished seeing his children and being thier guide and protector.
In 1992, Harold reacquainted with his childhood friend from Panama, Julie Ross. For a short period of
time, Julieta and Harold courted each other through a long-distance relationship. It’s during this time that
their romance blossomed and grew into a very beautiful relationship. Quickly, Julieta became Harold’s
confidant and best friend frequently attending family gatherings, Panamanian dances, cruises, weddings,
and various social events. In 1995, Harold and Julieta solidified their relationship through holy matrimony.
It is evident that Julieta and Harold were a strong, loving, amazing couple. Even though the difficult times
and his illness, Julieta was a dedicated wife who loved her husband. Till his last breath, he consistently
professed his love saying “Julie, I Love You”.
The evening of June 26, 2019, Harold Ross made his transition into the Father’s hands.
Harold Ross is survived by His lovely Wife Julieta, Children: Debora, Orlando, and Melissa Ross, his
Grandson Esteban, Step-Children Melinda, and Michael Morias, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews,
and friends. He will definitely be missed but never forgotten.