Thomas H. Ross III

Thomas H. Ross III, 90, of Farleys Point, Union Springs, passed away Monday, July 6, 2026, in Auburn Community Hospital, with his wife and their son, David, at his side.

Tom was the husband of Dona Biggs Ross of Union Springs for nearly 66 years. Born on January 26, 1936, in Syracuse, NY, he was the son of Thomas H. Ross Jr. and Ila Henry Ross. He attended Syracuse schools and was a graduate of the Hoosac School in Hoosick, NY, and of Hobart and William Smith College, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Society.

Tom served in the Army as a reservist with a 403rd Civil Affairs and Military Government company. He and Dona lived in Parish, NY, for 30 years, where he was President of the Parish Lions’ Club, a Pack Master for Cub Scouts, and assisted with Little League. He had a rewarding career in the wholesale building materials business and was most recently employed by Marvin Windows of NY in Cortland, NY.

Tom was a talented carpenter and woodworker and always enjoyed helping a friend with a project. When he and Dona moved from Parish to Farleys Point, Tom designed a home for them on the shore of Cayuga Lake, and together they did the interior finishing. Tom enjoyed fishing, boating, and camping trips with his family and friends. In later years, he followed New York Yankees baseball and Syracuse University basketball, football, and lacrosse. He loved his home on the Lake where he felt close to nature. He was always an avid reader.

In addition to his wife, Dona, Tom is survived by his son, David Allan Ross, of Halifax, VT; his grandson, Rashka Manning Ross, and his fiancé, Emily, of Palmer, Mass; and his granddaughter, Elsa Manning Ross, and her partner, Michael, of Northfield, Mass. Also surviving are Tom’s sister-in-law, Cynthia Biggs, of Texas; his nieces Tamara Crowley and her husband, Jeffery, of Camillus, NY, Nora McMahon and her husband, Steven; and nephew Jason Biggs and his wife, Stephani, all of Texas.

Tom was predeceased by his son, Thomas H. Ross IV; his parents; and his brother-in-law Robert C. Biggs. Following his many medical procedures, Tom always returned home in the care of his wife, Dona.

At his request, there will be no services or calling hours. Arrangements are with White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., Auburn, NY.

Donations in his memory to the Union Springs Fire Department, 257 Cayuga Street, Union Springs, NY 13160, would be appreciated - or - to the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, One Children’s Circle, Syracuse, NY, 13210. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas H. Ross III, please visit our floral store.