Ross T. Passineau

GUILDERLAND- On April 13, 2024, Ross T. Passineau left the golf course and headed to the 19th hole for the final time. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the Kingsway Manor Assisted Living Center in Schenectady, NY. Ross was born July 12, 1925, in Glens Falls NY, to the late Ross E. and Margaret Passineau.

Ross was raised in South Glens Falls, NY and became a multi-sport standout athlete graduating in 1943 as salutatorian of his class. He then immediately enlisted in the US Navy, enrolling in officer training school, attended Union College and Stevens Institute of Technology, graduating with the rank of Ensign in 1944. He was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Lieutenant JG having served on 2 ships in the pacific during WWII. He then attended Ithaca College, graduating in 1950 with a BS in Education. While at Ithaca College, he lettered in Football, Basketball, Baseball and Track. Upon graduation, Ross signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates Professional Baseball Club and enjoyed playing for 3 seasons. In 1952, he married the love of his life Arabelle "AJ" Dewey. Together they raised 4 children, relocating from Hudson Falls NY to Guilderland NY in 1963.

In 1967 Ross joined Pinehaven Country Club, where over the course of the next 47 years he became known as "The Legend." His achievements include Sr Club Champion, 5 holes in one, and he recorded a double eagle 2 on the 466 yd. par 5, 15th hole which he considered his greatest achievement in golf. Ross enjoyed a 64-year career as a Life Insurance Agent and Broker with the Berkshire Life Insurance Co., achieving the designation of CLU and CFC. Ross was inducted as a charter member of the Ithaca College Sports Hall of Fame in 1969, The Heritage Hall Sports Hall of Fame in Glens Falls in 1996 and The South Glens Falls High School Hall of Fame in 2011.

Ross is survived by his children: Tom (Joanne), Michael (Donna), Susan (Colleen) and David; his grandchildren: Lisa (Roger) Keating, Michael (Fioranna Renda) Passineau and Stacey (Douglas) Breakell; 5 great grandchildren; and his brother, John. He was predeceased by his wife, AJ, and sisters: Helen and Peggy.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Kingsway Manor Assisted Living Center for their care and compassion.

Please join the family from 4 to 6 PM on Friday, April 26, 2024, at New Comer Cremations and Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY, 12205 or The Guilderland Lettermen Foundation, PO Box 603, Guilderland, NY 12084.

To share a memory of Ross or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.