UPDATE: Angelo Rafael Ross Jr., a beloved educator and coach from Santa Cruz, CA, has passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on November 3, 2025. He was 86 years old.
Ross’s family confirmed the news earlier today, marking the end of a remarkable life dedicated to teaching and athletics. His impact on countless students and young athletes spans over five decades, making him a cherished figure in Central Coast sports and education.
Born on September 23, 1939, in Santa Cruz, Angelo grew up in a loving household filled with laughter and community. He attended local schools, including Santa Cruz High School, where he excelled as both an athlete and a scholar, graduating as class salutatorian in 1958.
After earning a degree from San Jose State University and serving in the U.S. Army Reserves, Ross returned to his hometown to inspire generations of students. From 1964 to 1999, he taught at Mission Hill Junior High School, where he became known as “Mr. Ross,” a name fondly remembered by many.
His coaching career was equally impressive. He led teams at various schools, including coaching football at Holy Cross High School and basketball at Marello Preparatory High School. Ross’s teams consistently achieved success, with the Marello Prep varsity basketball team winning 21 games in 1976 and earning a share of the Mission Trail Athletic League championship.
“Perseverance is something I try to teach,” Ross once said, a philosophy he lived by, especially after a rare spinal cord stroke in 2014 left him paralyzed.
Despite his challenges, Ross remained a fixture at local games, offering support and encouragement to his players. His dedication to coaching earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Marello Preparatory High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Palma High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.
Family was central to Ross’s life. He lived in the same home where he grew up and cared for his mother until her passing at age 103. His sister, nieces, and extended family were a constant source of support, and the family is grateful for the compassionate care provided by his caregiver, “Tootsie,” over the past 11 years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on November 24, 2025, at Resurrection Church in Aptos, CA, officiated by Fr. Ron Shirley, a close friend of Ross for nearly six decades.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Palma School in Salinas, CA, to honor Ross’s lifelong dedication to education and coaching.
As the community mourns the loss of Angelo Rafael Ross Jr., his legacy of teaching, coaching, and uplifting young athletes will continue to inspire for generations to come.
