Ross Aldrich Jr.

Ross R. Aldrich Jr., 84, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by faith, music, adventure, hard work, and deep devotion to his family and friends.

Born in Covington, Kentucky, on November 26, 1941, Ross spent his early years in Southgate and Fort Thomas, Kentucky. He spent the last 44 years of his life in Terrace Park, Ohio, where he built a home, cultivated lasting friendships, and became a beloved member of the community. From a young age, he embraced life with enthusiasm and creativity. While in high school, he discovered a passion for music, performing in several rock and roll bands, including The Shades, E.A. Poe and the Ravens, and The Matadors—a passion that would remain with him throughout his life.

Ross attended the University of Louisville, where he played baseball for the Louisville Cardinals, and later continued his education at Xavier University. His professional life reflected his wide-ranging talents and entrepreneurial spirit. He taught school in Fremont, California, and Campbell County, Kentucky, owned a successful commercial plumbing company, built and operated a recording studio, and later served as a consultant for several large engineering companies in the Cincinnati area.

Music was woven throughout Ross's life. He arranged, performed, and produced music in recording studios in both Nashville, Tennessee, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Whether creating music, mentoring others, or simply sharing a song, he found joy in bringing people together.

Ross lived life with curiosity and adventure. He loved flying and proudly owned and piloted several private airplanes. He enjoyed baseball, golf, and tennis, and treasured traveling the world with his beloved wife and family. He had a gift for starting new projects and pursuing them with energy and optimism.

Above all else, Ross loved his family. He shared a devoted marriage with his wife, Teresa, and was a proud father to Curtis Aldrich (Erin Brooks) and Dustin Aldrich (Meggan Sorrell). Nothing brought him greater joy than being "Papaw" to his cherished granddaughter, Jessie Layne Aldrich, who was truly the apple of his eye. He also deeply valued sharing his faith in God with those he loved.

Ross was preceded in death by his parents, Ross R. Aldrich Sr. and Lucille Aldrich, and by his siblings David Aldrich, Carol Ann Dean, and Dennis Aldrich.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Teresa (Davies) Aldrich; his sons, Curtis Aldrich (Erin) and Dustin Aldrich (Meggan); his beloved granddaughter, Jessie Layne Aldrich; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, David and Pam Davies, Rebecca Davies and Dana Bascom and Kyle Dean; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Ross had a remarkable ability to make people feel like lifelong friends, whether they had known him for decades or had just met him. His quick wit, infectious sense of humor, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. He maintained countless lifelong friendships while continually making new ones.

Just one month before his passing, Ross and Teresa traveled to Colorado, where they explored hot springs and even went ziplining together—a fitting reflection of his adventurous spirit. During that trip, he coined a phrase that beautifully captured the outlook that defined his life: "Even my bad luck is good."

Those words reflected Ross's enduring optimism, resilience, and gratitude. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he treasured, the music he created, the faith he shared, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and generous heart. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.