UPDATE: Angelo Rafael Ross Jr., an esteemed educator and beloved coach, has passed away peacefully at home in Santa Cruz, CA, surrounded by family on November 3, 2025. He was 86 years old and leaves behind a profound legacy in education and athletics in the Central Coast community.
Born on September 23, 1939, Ross dedicated his life to teaching and coaching, inspiring generations of students and athletes. His impactful career spanned over three decades, with notable roles at Mission Hill Junior High School and Palma High School. The loss of Ross resonates deeply within the community, where he was known not just as a teacher but as a mentor who instilled values of responsibility and perseverance.
Ross excelled in both academics and sports, earning recognition as a scholar-athlete at Santa Cruz High School. He went on to graduate from San Jose State University with honors, before serving in the United States Army Reserves. His commitment to education began in 1964, shaping the lives of countless students until his retirement in 2014.
Throughout his coaching career, Ross led teams to remarkable achievements, including 28 league championships and 11 CCS titles. His coaching legacy was celebrated at Marello Preparatory High School, where he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986, and at Palma High School, where he received similar honors in 2000.
Despite facing health challenges, including a spinal cord stroke in 2014, Ross remained committed to his students. He continued to engage with young athletes, offering guidance and support from the sidelines, embodying the very perseverance he taught. “Perseverance is something I try to teach,” he famously stated, a lesson that resonated deeply with his students.
Family was at the forefront of Ross’s life. He lived in the same home where he grew up and cared for his mother until her passing at 103 years old. His close-knit family included his sister, Diane, and her husband, as well as his nieces and great-nephew, who cherished their time with him.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on November 24, 2025, at Resurrection Church in Aptos, CA, officiated by his close friend, Fr. Ron Shirley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Palma School in honor of Ross’s lifelong dedication to education and coaching.
As the community mourns, tributes pour in, reflecting on a life spent uplifting others. Angelo Rafael Ross Jr. will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to education, his love for his family, and his passionate dedication to sports. His impact on the lives he touched will resonate for years to come.
