Meet a Volunteer

Frank and Doris Ross

Almost but not quite “the girl next door,” Doris and Frank Ross went to the same elementary school and lived in the same Philly neighborhood. They didn’t know one another, however, until that fateful night in 1952 when they met on the YMCA dance floor. At the time Doris was an employee of Travelers Insurance Co. and Frank was in the Army. After a short courtship they exchanged wedding vows, and have been together for 58 years, adding three daughters, one son, and eight grandchildren to their union.

Doris has always had a life full of activity. As a youngster it was her preference to be in the fresh air either riding her bike or roller skating. Later it was scouting, bowling, piano lessons, and working for Travelers after school and summers that kept her occupied.  Adulthood found Doris working full time while singing solos in the church choir and participating with the church minstrels. When Doris became a stay-at-home Mom, family filled her days and nights and Frank crowned her “Mother of the Year."

Frank’s youth activities centered on maintaining good grades, being sports’ editor of the school newspaper, participating in Student Government, and working after school at Penn Mutual Life. His stateside Army experience was mainly in anti-aircraft defense and payroll, but he likens himself to Radar O’Reilly of M.A.S.H fame, who did a little bit of everything. With Dean’s List status Frank attended evening classes at Drexel University and graduated with a degree in Business Administration/Management. The companies where he worked, including Asplundh Tree Expert Co., The General Electric, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, and Edgcomb Metals Co., were as diversified as the positions he held. Frank began as a pioneer in data processing and moved into such fields as electronics, printing, management, systems analysis, accounting and finally comptroller.  

The Ross’ history at Encore Experiences began in 1991. For many years their activities included bridge, bowling, senior golf league, Senior Olympics, Members Council, exercise classes, fundraising, hiking club, computers and trips. Now the trip to Ladore is a yearly event and they provide transportation to the Encore Café for their neighbors for the special of the day. Their church benefits from Doris’ involvement in both the vocal and bells choirs and Frank serves as their Finance Secretary.  Above all else, however, it is family first – a seed that was planted and nurtured over half a century ago and continues to flourish to this day.