November 27, 2023

I was in band with Mr. Ross from 1970 to 1974when Mr Ross was just starting out as a band director! I had many excellent academic teachers in my 4 years of HS, but Band, and Mr. Ross and Mr. Woods created my primary social  and emotional support group. We played together in daily rehearsals, hot summer band camps (with Burger King lunch breaks), and traveled each year to Washington D.C. for the Cherry Blossom Parade. Our parents endured fund raisers of spagehtti dinners, subway sandwich deliveries and pointsetta flower deliveries. Together, we groaned through extra evening section rehearsals (another task for parents of the non driving musicians). During these years, Joan and Lloyd’s  first child was born.  I still remember Mr. Ross’ buoyancy and delighted happy smiles 🙂 AND, to bring these memories to the present, I am STILL playing my flute after 50 years (with a few 25 years off while raising our children::)- I enjoy monthly lessons, weekly ensemble playing and practice (2 to 3 times a week…..wish I could do more!!!!).  Music is a  source of  fun, joy, and peace and comfort to this day. Lisa Bonner Wallis, of Sunset Road in those days
Lisa Bonner Wallis (St. Louis,Missouri)

November 24, 2023

Lloyd was a wonderful man, teacher and role model. My daughters loved and respected him as their band director. I enjoyed working with him as music booster president for his last 2 years at Newark and was a proud recipient of one of those woodworking projects. He will be missed by all who knew him. Thank you to his family for sharing him with so many other NHS families for 34 years! Tina Maclary

November 16, 2023

My daughters both were in NHS band with Mr. Ross and I have his wonderful saying so much in my mind that I am often thinking of him as I repeat “to be early…”.  Jane and Karen both were part of all those bands and my husband and I have such fond memories of football games on chilly nights watching with great excitement and pride as that magnificent band took the field.  As a fellow teacher, I know it took special skills to connect with so many students who remember him fondly.  Condolences to his family.  You must be sad to lose him and yet proud to read that he was loved and respected by so many.
Betsy Pizzolato

November 15, 2023

Mr. Ross, was my favorite teacher (except my folks who were both teachers😉) He was a GREAT Man! I feel it was very fitting that I got this sad news, while at a concert, I think he would like that, enjoying his teaching, knowing his efforts helped people have a better life!  Rob Shay class of 81, and no the bass is NOT too loud 😎
Rob Shay

November 14, 2023

I went into music because of Lloyd Ross. I showed up at NHS my sophmore year after being in a very small school. My initiation was band camp… I was terrified… I felt inadequate. But soon, I made friends and began to have some success as a player… much of it due to Lloyd Ross. I know few high schools that have the full orbed program that Newark offered. I was in jazz band, symphonic band and marching band. I took music theory which served me very well as I progressed in my trumpet education through college and graduate school. He gave me all kinds of opportunities and then had a conversation with me, telling me that he thought I should go into music. There was an intensity with him that made us work hard but there was also a playful side to him, where we had so much fun. I have such great memories of my days in the Newark High School band and I am eternally grateful for Lloyd Ross.
Mark Auffarth

November 14, 2023

Lloyd represented CLASS !!!
My condolences to the family! He was so well respected by his students and the staff at NHS. Such an elegant man he was!!!
Annette Cornish

November 13, 2023

I am very sorry to hear of Lloyd’s passing.  He was a most amazing person and a brilliant band director.  I can’t begin to say how much he made my life bearable when I first went to NHS as choral music teacher (following someone who had been at NHS forever-which was tough). He was one of the kindest people I have ever met and he always had my back.  I pray for the family that the Lord will bring you comfort as only he can.  Blessings, Rene Lazar McCann

November 13, 2023

I always enjoyed and looked forward to caring  for Mr.Ross when he came to my unit at the hospital. Such a kind and friendly soul. I was sad to hear about his passing, but I know he is at peace.  Continued prayers for the family.  . 
Alanna Watts

November 13, 2023

I worked with Lloyd in the music department at Newark High School back in the mid ’70s. I remember him as a fine man and a fine musician. He will be missed by many. My condolences to the Ross family. 
Jim Von Stetten

November 13, 2023

We were very saddened to hear of Lloyd’s passing.  We remember the great times we had with Lloyd as chaperones when the band traveled to Myrtle beach, Virginia Beach, Boston as well as several other locations for band competitions.  We were filled with pride during their performances!  No doubt Lloyd is striking up the band in heaven!  May God bless you Lloyd and may God bless your family 
Dave and Sandy Babson

November 12, 2023

Mr.Ross was such a wonderful man. I was in Newark High School band with him 1976-1979. He taught me so much always with his wonderful sense of humor. I will treasure my memories from that time.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Cindy Murphy ( Otto)

November 12, 2023

In 1993, I first met Mr. Ross as a student teacher and then later became his asst. director. He is solely responsible for helping me start my 30+ year career in the Christina School District. He was an amazing mentor, music educator and friend. He will be missed. Condolences to the family.  Jeffey Dombchik

November 11, 2023

I am so sad to hear of Mr. Ross’s passing.  He was a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend to me when I went through the NHS band program.  He encouraged all my endeavors and made band feel like a family.  I am so grateful to him for all he did for me. And I send my most loving condolences to his family.  May you find peace even in the midst of your loss. 
Mika Vincent Brunson

November 11, 2023

    I remember when I first came to Newark HS and joined the marching band, I thought it such a challenge to march AND play. It was like learning a foreign language, but it all came together under the guidance of Mr Ross, and marching band became one of the best memories of my high school experience.      Mr. Ross was had a smile for everyone and made band such a fun and welcoming place. It was very competitive as well; under his guidance, we won so many awards, traveled to places like Virginia Beach, Myrtle Beach and Florida to showcase our talents, and marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.      It was because of high school band that I didn’t think twice about playing in college at Virginia Tech, yet another amazing experience I had as a result of what was cultivated in those early days.       His time and dedication will be forever remembered.
Yours truly,
Jill Brubaker Wolocko
Class of 1992 – NHS Drum Major

November 11, 2023

This one hurts. Without Mr. Ross, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Words are not enough, but condolences to his family. He was a great man, teacher, musician, and better human being. A rich life that had great impact on numerous others. Rest in Peace.
Jim McAllister 

November 11, 2023

To Joan, Sharon, and Jeff,
Peace be with you. I’m sorry for your loss. Joan, your husband, Sharon and Jeff, your dad, inspired me to be a better musician and a better human. I’m grateful for the time I had learning from him. I was often in awe of the preparation, for example, he put into running band camp each year, designing/preparing the marching band halftime formations, all the logistics associated with football games both home and away and competitions, etc. May he rest in peace and peace be with you too. – Rob Osborne (class of ’89)

November 11, 2023

Mr. Ross was not only a musical mentor, but a friend as well. He switched me from alto to tenor sax and moved me right into the jazz ensemble, where I could learn from my peers as well. I had so many great experiences with him. He trusted me to write marching band shows alongside of him when I became drum major my senior year as well as direct some stage band rehearsals. Our bands were ALWAYS competitive in performance whether it was jazz, symphonic or marching. We had so many laughs in front of and behind the closed door of his office. I miss those times. We also had some very deep conversations about life and faith. I still have a letter he wrote me. I will miss him dearly. He was the “Mr. Holland’s Opus” director in my life. I’m filled with sadness, but much joy knowing you are with the Loving Father. Rest your back…you deserve it! ❤️
Keith Heckert

November 11, 2023

Hoping that it brings you some comfort in reading about Mr. Ross’s effects on his students. For those of us in the NHS band, he had an outsized influence on our lives, teaching us music, yes, but much more. He was a perfectionist, and had an uncanny ability to select a musical portfolio that made us reach high yet still shine even as we stretched our limits. Under his leadership, the NHS musical program won competition after competition locally, regionally and even “internationally.”  Personally, he supported me by not indulging in  the discrimination that was often leveled at me in being a female trumpet player, without which I would not have been able to achieve a level of recognition that is still provides a me with a sense of accomplishment many decades later. I believe he propelled many of us to greater heights and often think back to one of the most spiritual experiences I have ever had, and will always remember: a performance by our Wind Ensemble in Toronto of “Kaddish,” which felt as though we were all connected in an extraordinary way. It taught me about the magic of diversity and the power of music to bring people together, and I intend to listen to “Kaddish” in honor of Mr. Ross. 
Judy Jordan

November 10, 2023

My most sincere condolences to the Ross family.
I was in the marching band and band front at NHS. Class is ’85. Mr. Ross showed me much kindness during a difficult time in my life. I will always be grateful.
Risen in Glory! I am praying for you, dear family. 
Cheryl Grieten née Newmarker 

November 10, 2023

I taught with Lloyd at Newark High School. His music groups represented well, and they brought much enjoyment to their listeners. BJ Apichella

November 10, 2023

Mr Ross brought to Newark High the highest level of music excellence.  He was an inspiration to all students.  He was the most special person!  Rest in peace ,Mr Ross! Marilyn Stritzinger

November 10, 2023

My condolences to his family. He was a great inspiration to me and a patient teacher. My fondest memories of High School were the competitions we went to and excelled at. He inspired me and others to do their best. He worked us hard but it was well worth the work when we won awards. I believe he has gone on to his reward. Sharon Grieten- Hamilton

November 10, 2023

Loyd Ross was one of Newark High Schools finest:  He took over from John Woods who went on to be the Band Director at Ohio State; And Loyd just took the ball and ran with it….Making NHS one of the best music oriented high schools on the East Coast.  Those of us on that amazing faculty saw an outstanding teaching staff that was best in class by any measure; And Loyd was right there:  What a wonderful place to teach and to study…We are with you Loyd and Family. wayne hill

November 10, 2023

Mr Ross inspired many of his students and their families through his unique skills, kindness, and his ability to make people feel special. He was a strong supporter of my decision to go to college and study Chemical Engineering, continuing music with the First State Symphony.  He was so much fun with all of us as we played our instruments and marching band.  I will miss him but happy that he is with his Lord and Savior.  God Bless You  Lynne Boyle Trafton

November 10, 2023

Mr Ross inspired many of his students and their families through his unique skills, kindness, and his ability to make people feel special. He was a strong supporter of my decision to go to college and study Chemical Engineering, continuing music with the First State Symphony.  He was so much fun with all of us as we played our instruments and marching band.  I will miss him but happy that he is with his Lord and Savior.  God Bless You  Lynne Boyle Trafton

November 10, 2023

Mr Ross inspired many of his students and their families through his unique skills, kindness, and his ability to make people feel special. He was a strong supporter of my decision to go to college and study Chemical Engineering, continuing music with the First State Symphony.  He was so much fun with all of us as we played our instruments and marching band.  I will miss him but happy that he is with his Lord and Savior.  God Bless You  Lynne Boyle Trafton

November 10, 2023

I am sorry for the loss of a good person.
as a school bus driver for Christina school district 
we would to the trips for football games and band competitions . loved to watch and listen to  the band that he directed 
he will be missed  Lisa Reed

November 10, 2023

As much as he was a stern, disciplined and demanding band leader (evident in NHS MANY awards), what I remember MOST about Mr. Ross was his excitement shared when he was becoming a father and the impish, twinkle in his eyes when he connected on a more personal level… always encouraging, always engaged, and will always will be remembered lovingly by SO many!
Beth Strauss Einstein 

November 10, 2023

Mr. Ross last a lasting impression on me during my band years at newark high school. He was funny, kind and always ready to listen and offer advice. I certainly wasn’t a great musician but he md me want to get better every day! May his memory be a blessing. Please know what an impact he had on so many of us!
Lynn Strauss