Josephine Ann (Lombardo) Ross

Josephine Ann Ross of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on April 15, 2022, after a long battle with dementia.

Josephine was born on March 19, 1929, to Frank and Rose (Ripoli) Lombardo in Youngstown, Ohio where she lived most of her life. After graduating from The Rayen School in 1947, she worked for the Ideal Laundry.

On October 21, 1950, she married her teenage sweetheart and “my man”, as she called him, Fred Ross, Jr, and together they had three children, Fred III (Diane Leone), Ralph (Janice Hietala) and Annette Svagerko (Carl). Josephine dedicated her life to being a model wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She humbly and wonderfully supported her family through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. She made it her mission to improve the lives of others and was loved by everyone who met her.

Josephine was a dedicated member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Youngtown. She was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and participated in many retreats and church activities. She was completely devoted to Mary, our Mother. Josephine was a passionate bowler, crossword puzzle worker and knitter. She loved to read and enjoyed the arts. She was an avid baseball fan, especially of the Cleveland Indians. Mostly she was a fan of her large extended family, sending cards and lending an ear and a prayer when needed. She never said no when asked to attend a function which included cheering on her family in any way.

Josephine was predeceased by her son Fred, her parents, five brothers, one sister, and several nephews and nieces. She is survived by her husband Fred, her children Ralph and Annette, her beloved grandchildren Daniel (Ross), James (Kearns-wife Heather), Carl James (Svagerko) and Hannah (Svagerko Fugate-husband Zach), and three great-grandchildren Skylar and Jimmy (Kearns) and Hayden (Fugate). 

The family would like to thank the staff of The Terrace at Westerwood and Capital City Hospice for the loving care they gave to Josephine.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Salvation Army or food bank of your choice. There will be visiting hours at 10am followed by a mass of Christian burial on Monday, April 25, 2022, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Turin Ave, Youngstown.

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