Brownsville, Vt. — Donald Mott Ross of Brownsville passed away peacefully Thursday, April 7, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born Feb. 4, 1933, to Mott Benner Ross and Marie Puls Ross in East Orange, N.J. Don grew up in Basking Ridge, N.J. and graduated from Bernards High School in 1951.

After high school, Don enlisted in the Navy and served during the Korean War. He was stationed at Seal Beach, Calif. On Nov. 7, 1953, Don married his high school sweetheart, Nancy (Harris) Ross. In 1955, when Don retired from active duty they moved to Basking Ridge, N.J.

Don spent 25 successful years at Don Ross Custom Millwork in Bedminster, N.J. Don’s exquisite work graced homes in New Jerseyand later in New England where they retired to Brownsville in 1987. In later years he took pleasure being outdoors riding his John Deere and always took the opportunity to find beauty in his environment. His hobbies included hunting, trap shooting, woodworking, checkers and spending time with his grandchildren.

Don constantly lit up the room with his quick wit and sense of humor. He was full of love and wisdom. One of his best pieces of advice was “eat dessert at every meal.”

Don is survived by his wife, Nancy, of 62 years; his brother, Richard B. Ross of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and his four children: Cathy Anne Ross, Troy, Mich., Scott B. Ross, Gladstone, N.J., Suzanne Ross Krawczyk, husband James, Woodstock, Vt. and Betsy Ross Duany, husband Patrick, Plainfield, N.H.; as well as 11 grandchildren, Brooke Peiffer, husband Robert, McKenzie Largay, Emily Crossman, husband Errol, daughter Abilene, Thompson Ross, Alexandra Krawczyk, Hannah Krawczyk, Caroline Krawczyk, Robert Alden Krawczyk, Theodore Krawcyzk, Allison Duany and Andrew Duany; nephew, Donaldson Ross, New Canaan, Conn. and niece Laura Ross, Grand Rapids, Mich.

A special thank you to Bayada and Care-Pro for the wonderful and loving care that was provided over the last six months.

Don was known for his generous heart. In lieu of flowers, Don’s wish would be for you to pay it forward with an act of kindness.

A tentative date for the memorial service has been set for July 2. Please visit Knight Funeral Home of Windsor, VT for updated information www.knightfuneralhomes.com.