Richard A. "Rick" Ross Jr.

August 17, 1953 - April 9, 2020

Richard Alexander “Rick” Ross Jr., Father, Martial Arts Grand Master, Police Officer, and Dean, passed away on April 9th 2020 at the age of 66. Rick was born in Colonia, New Jersey, on August 17, 1953. He was preceded in death by his parents Lillian (Brinkley) Ross and Richard Ross, brother Alfred, and daughter Dania Marie Ross. Rick graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Trenton State College before relocating to Boynton Beach, Florida in 1977. He served his community as a police officer for the Boynton Beach Police Department from 1981 until his retirement as a sergeant in 2001. In addition to being a police officer, Rick was a lifelong instructor of Isshin-ryū Karate at Ross’ School of Karate and Self Defense, achieving a rank of Eighth Degree Grand Master. Sensei Ross taught students discipline, respect, and self-defense for over 30 years. Rick owned and operated R&R Marine, building and repairing outboard engines and racing his JS-27 Jersey Skiff as a hobby. Rick was one of the five pioneering members of the mother chapter of South Florida Outcast Motorcycle Club. At Rick’s time of death he held the position of Dean of Discipline at South Tech Academy, where he was also an instructor for the motorcycle and the marine engine academies. Rick was a loving father to Richard “Jared” Ross and Jordan Ross with Roxanne (Baker) Ross and to Derrick (wife Leandra) Ross and Richard Ross with Michele (Stankes) Ross. Rick was a proud grandfather of Dania Leigh Ross. Rick Ross was a presence at SouthTech Academy; he truly cared for the students and was always good for a laugh. In his memory, we will be starting the Rick Ross Scholarship Fund. Through this fund, a scholarship will be awarded to a SouthTech senior that exemplifies the spirit of Mr. Ross. In addition, there will be a plaque commemorating Rick Ross, and each scholarship recipient will have their name put on the plaque. Our hope is that this grows into something great with fundraising events that bring together groups of people that can honor Rick's legacy: his family, SouthTech alumni & employees, community partners, the Boynton Beach Police Department, etc. We would like to give out a scholarship to a senior this year; a positive light in a world of unknown. If you would like to make a personal donation to this fund you can do so in three ways: 1. Venmo: @RickRossScholarshipFund 2. CashApp: $RickRossScholarship 3. Zelle: 561.248.0805 Memorial Services will be held at Caloosa Park, 1300 S.W. 35th Avenue, Boynton Beach, FL 33426 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2020.