OWLS HEAD — Michael McConley Ross died at his home, June 23, 2019 after a brief illness. Born in Paris, France, in 1932, he was the son of John and Catherine (Fotheringham) Ross.

Predeceased by his parents; brother, Peter; and beloved wife, Barbara (Collishaw); Mike is survived by his brothers, Joe and Charlie; his children, Stephen, Susan, Claudia, and Charlie; his grandchildren, Emily, Ted, Charlie, Marlie, and Kaitlynn; and, his latest joy, great-granddaughter Imogen.
 
Mike was always interested in learning new things but had a particular love of farming, sailing, restoring old buildings and vehicles. He grew up in Washington DC and northern Virginia before moving to Long Island, NY
where he received a degree from Hofstra and later his masters and doctorate in Education from Columbia. For many years Michael served as Superintendent of Schools in the districts of Orange, Jersey City, and South
Orange/Maplewood. 
 
In 1970, he purchased a “fixer-upper” in Waldoboro, Maine and spent one month every summer restoring it with his wife and family. Mike retired to upstate New York in 1989 and became a cattle farmer, running a modest herd of beef cattle on his farm in Willet, NY. When he was ready to retire from his farm in 2010, he relocated to Owls Head, Maine, where he enjoyed spending time with his family, volunteering at Saint Peter’s
Church, and the occasional afternoon of sailing. He loved watching the boats in Rockland Harbor and delighted in the return of the ospreys, bald eagles, and seals. 

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.

To share a memory or story with Mike’s family, visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.