William L. Ross, 92, of Niagara Falls, New York, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a profound legacy as an athlete, dedicated educator, and community leader.

Born on November 25, 1933, to William and Jessie Ross, Bill was a 1951 LaSalle High School graduate. He attended Michigan State on a football scholarship and completed his bachelor's degree in history. He held two master's degrees from Buffalo State and the University at Buffalo. At Michigan State, he reached the pinnacle of collegiate athletics winning the National Championship in 1952 and Rose Bowl Champions in 1954.

Bill went on to fulfill his military obligation as a commissioned ROTC second lieutenant. Bill continued his military career in the active reserves and retired with 28 years of service as a lieutenant colonel.

He began a 47-year career as an educator with the Niagara Wheatfield School District. He was a classroom teacher for nine years before advancing to administrative leadership. He played dual roles as assistant principal and Director of Athletics and Physical Education. He was the first varsity football coach at Niagara Wheatfield. As a lifelong educator, he spent decades shaping the minds and character of countless students. He was far more than a teacher or administrator; he was a mentor, a coach, and a steady anchor who believed fiercely in the potential of every young person he encountered.

As a prominent community leader, he poured his energy into working tirelessly to build a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone. In 1979, he won a seat on the town council, which began his career as a 30-year-old elected official. Ross went on to be elected to a record-setting 12 terms as Chairman of the Niagara County Legislature.

Simultaneously, he was a SUNY Niagara trustee, a member of the Niagara Power Coalition and Horizon Services Board of Directors, President of Leadership Niagara, and a 48-year member of the local Lions Club. He was also Past President of the Niagara County Rotary Club and Past President of Mt. St. Mary’s Board of Associates. He served on the Niagara Wheatfield Hall of Fame Committee, the Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame, and the New York State Athletic Administrators Hall of Fame. In recognition of his contributions to athletics, he was inducted into the Niagara Wheatfield Hall of Fame.

To honor his service and achievements, the Niagara County Social Services Building in Lockport was named the William L. Ross Building. The Niagara Wheatfield Sports Facility was named the William L. Ross Sports Complex.

Bill believed in being a lifelong servant to his community and left a legacy of kindness and a community forever changed by his presence. A keeper of memories and a gifted storyteller, he had an uncanny ability to remember dates, times, milestones, and the details of the lives of those around him. Bill will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and the countless people whose lives he touched throughout his 92 years.

Above all his professional and public accomplishments, Bill’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was the devoted husband of Linda and loving father of Colleen (the late Joseph), Brian (DeAnn), and Dawn (Ed), and stepfather to Kelly and Michael O’Neill. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Bill was predeceased by his parents and brothers, James and Richard Ross. His family was the heart of his life, and he took great pride in his children and grandchildren. He built a home filled with love and laughter, grounded in the strong values he held throughout his life.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 15 from 1 – 8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304. William’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 16 at 11 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Parish at Prince of Peace Church, 1055, N. Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Private interment with Military Honors in White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery, Amherst, NY, will be held for William’s family. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice (www.niagarahospice.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate). Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.