Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Educator and Coach Angelo Ross Jr.

Angelo Rafael Ross Jr. passed away peacefully at home in Santa Cruz, California, on November 3, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on September 23, 1939, Angelo was a cherished member of his community, remembered for his dedication to education and sports.

Raised in a loving household, Angelo was the youngest child of Marguerite Nellie Ross and Angelo Rafael Ross Sr. He grew up enjoying a close-knit family life that revolved around games, gardening, and gatherings. Angelo’s childhood was marked by a strong sense of community, a sentiment he later instilled in his students and athletes.

Angelo attended Laurel Elementary School, Mission Hill Junior High, and Santa Cruz High School. As a student, he excelled academically and athletically. He earned a place on the All-CCAL lightweight basketball team as a junior and the All-League varsity team as a senior, graduating in 1958 as the class salutatorian. Instead of taking a basketball scholarship to UC Riverside, he chose to attend San Jose State University, where he graduated with honors and became a member of the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society.

Following his education, Angelo served in the United States Army Reserves as a military policeman at Fort Gordon in Georgia. After his military service, he returned to Santa Cruz, where he embarked on a notable teaching and coaching career. From 1964 to 1999, Angelo taught at Mission Hill Junior High School, where he was loved by students who fondly referred to him as “Mr. Ross.” He taught U.S. History, Civics, and Physical Education, and served as the school’s athletic director.

Colleagues and students remembered Angelo for his engaging teaching style and his ability to connect with young people. He not only imparted academic knowledge but also instilled essential life values such as responsibility and perseverance. Beyond the classroom, he chaperoned student trips to Washington, D.C., and guided aspiring educators.

Angelo was a pivotal figure in Central Coast athletics over five decades. He coached football at Holy Cross High School from 1964 to 1970 and at Marello Preparatory High School from 1970 to 1977. Under his leadership, the Marello Prep varsity basketball team achieved significant success in 1976, winning 21 games and sharing the Mission Trail Athletic League championship. Angelo’s coaching prowess earned him the title of “Co-Coach of the Year.”

In 1977, he joined Palma High School’s coaching staff in Salinas, where he remained until his retirement in 2014. During his nearly 40-year tenure, he helped lead the Chieftains to an impressive 28 league championships and 11 CCS titles. His teams enjoyed one of the most dominant runs in California high school football history, including a remarkable 48-game unbeaten streak.

Even after experiencing a rare spinal cord stroke in July 2014 that left him paralyzed, Angelo’s spirit remained unbroken. He continued to engage with his players by reviewing game film and attending games, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the sport and his students. “Perseverance is something I try to teach,” he once stated, embodying that lesson daily.

Family was central to Angelo’s life. He lived in the same Santa Cruz home where he grew up, caring for his mother until her death at the age of 103. He maintained a close relationship with his sister, Diane, and her family, often emphasizing the importance of looking for the good in others—a philosophy he credited to his mother.

The Ross family extends their gratitude to Angelo’s caregiver, affectionately known as “Tootsie,” for her devoted care over 11 years. They also appreciate the support from friends and medical professionals who provided assistance throughout Angelo’s life.

Angelo is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his sister, Diane Marguerite Treseler, brother-in-law Frederick Treseler, nieces Pamela Treseler Gangloff and Stephanie Treseler Colvin, and great-nephew Michael Angelo Gangloff, among others.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on November 24, 2025, at Resurrection Church in Aptos, California. The service will be officiated by Fr. Ron Shirley, a close friend of Angelo’s for nearly six decades.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Palma School in Salinas, California, honoring Angelo Ross Jr.’s lifelong commitment to education and coaching.