Angelo Rafael Ross Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Cruz, California, on November 3, 2025. Surrounded by family, he left behind a legacy of dedication to education and sports that impacted countless lives in the Central Coast community. Born on September 23, 1939, Angelo was the youngest of two children in the Ross family, raised in a household filled with love and laughter.
Growing up in Santa Cruz, Angelo shared a joyful childhood with his sister, Diane, and their extended family. They enjoyed local games, gardening, and vibrant family gatherings that shaped his sense of community. He attended Laurel Elementary School, Mission Hill Junior High, and Santa Cruz High School, where he excelled academically and athletically. He earned recognition as a basketball player, making the All-CCAL lightweight team as a junior and the All-League varsity team as a senior, graduating in 1958 as the class salutatorian.
Despite a basketball scholarship offer from UC Riverside, Angelo opted for San Jose State University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree and a secondary teaching credential. His academic achievements earned him induction into the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society. This balance between scholarship and athletics became a hallmark of his teaching philosophy.
Following his graduation, Angelo served as a military policeman in the United States Army Reserves at Fort Gordon, Georgia. After completing his service, he returned to Santa Cruz and embarked on a lengthy career in education. From 1964 to 1999, he taught U.S. History, Civics, and Physical Education at Mission Hill Junior High, shaping the minds of generations. Colleagues and students remember him for his sharp wit and caring demeanor, qualities that made him a beloved figure in the school.
Angelo was not just a teacher; he was also a significant presence in local athletics. He coached football and basketball at various schools, including Holy Cross High School and Marello Preparatory High School, where he achieved notable success. In 1976, he led the Marello Prep varsity basketball team to win 21 games and share the Mission Trail Athletic League championship. His coaching expertise continued at Palma High School in Salinas, where he contributed to an impressive record of 28 league championships and 11 CCS titles.
His contributions to sports were recognized with inductions into the Basketball Hall of Fame at Marello Preparatory High School in 1986 and Palma High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. Even after suffering a spinal cord stroke in July 2014 that left him paralyzed, Angelo’s spirit remained unbroken. He continued to engage with his players, analyzing game footage and supporting his teams from the sidelines.
Family was central to Angelo’s life. He lived in the same Santa Cruz home where he grew up and cared for his mother until her passing at 103 years old. He maintained close ties with his sister, nieces, and extended family. Angelo often credited his mother with instilling in him the importance of finding good in others, a guiding principle throughout his life.
In reflection of his dedication to education and coaching, the family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Palma School in Salinas, California. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on November 24, 2025, at Resurrection Church in Aptos, officiated by Father Ron Shirley, a close friend of Angelo’s.
Angelo Rafael Ross Jr. leaves behind a profound legacy, cherished by those who had the privilege to know him. His commitment to fostering growth and resilience in young people will continue to inspire future generations.
