Man of Avon: Michael J. Ross
Michael J. Ross, 85, of Great Neck, NY, passed away, peacefully in his sleep, on Monday, February 1, 2021. Born June 1, 1935, in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Philip I. and Henrietta [Halpern] Ross. Growing up in a family of artists, he gained a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts and music. Gifted with an innate sense of humor, a natural sales ability, and a passion for generating and sharing ideas, he succeeded in establishing a sales agency, Prime Line Partners, that has represented companies in the field of fine arts for over 40 years.
In high school, he began selling Bazooka bubble gum for the Topps Chewing Gum Company and discovered he had a talent for sales. Early in his career, he worked for his father’s advertising agency in Manhattan and later was national advertising manager for the Sony Corporation of America, helping to promote the Sony Trinitron television.
After beginning his education in Brooklyn, NY, Michael graduated from Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Connecticut, and Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
A child of the WWII and the post-WWII era, he felt a responsibility for and a commitment to his community positioning him as a student of history and current events. His knowledge in these areas deepened throughout his life. In leisure time his natural athletic ability often led him onto the dance floor, the tennis court, and the ski slopes. His affiliations included the National Art Materials Trade Association [NAMTA] and Temple Beth El of Great Neck.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Mary Katherine Bunnell Ross, two sons, Jonathan B. Ross and William B. Ross, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jane and Jim Reynolds of Charlton, Massachusetts, and two nephews, Matthew and Amber Reynolds and Damon Reynolds. Additionally, he is survived by his longtime friend, business partner, and current owner of Prime Line Partners, Jerome Wolkis, and his wife Amy Wolkis.
Graveside services will be held in the spring in the Montrose Cemetery, Montrose, Penna.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:
1) The St. Francis Heart Center, St. Francis Hospital Foundation, Office of Development, 100 Port Washington Blvd, Roslyn, NY 11576 or online at https://1150.
2) Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Drive, East Hills, NY 11548 or online at https://www.classy.org/