In Loving Memory of
Ross Commodore
September 19, 1967 – June 21, 2020
A Virtual Memorial Gathering was held on November 28, 2020 at 11:00 AM EST
Ross Philip Commodore of Glenn Dale, MD passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at the age of 52. It was Father’s Day. A native New Yorker, Ross was born in Manhattan to parents Richard and Mercedes on September 19,1967. He was the elder brother of James, Richard, and Christopher all of whom he was very protective.
As a child Ross was affectionately known as “Rossie” by his family but he referred to himself as “Ross the Boss”. He called himself this because he was constantly keeping his brothers and cousins in line. You didn’t even have to be guilty of any crime to be corrected by Ross. If he thought you might be up to something, he would advise you of our “family way” that must be observed. He was the shepherd to his brothers, cousins and close friends. He even went as far as to purchase a brass plate for his bedroom door that read “Ross the Boss”.
The family moved to Hempstead in 1972. In Hempstead, Ross made many lifelong friendships that he maintained throughout his life. Many of these bonds were formed by shared interests in fishing, sports, and music. As a child he would fall asleep listening to WBLS radio. He shared a room with his younger brother James, who liked to sleep in peace and quiet. For that reason, they argued every night about the radio‘s volume.
As a boy he became an avid reader – a practice he continued throughout his life. His favorite book was “The Art of War”, which he often quoted. His favorite movie was “Top Gun”.
Ross attended Ludlum Elementary School in Hempstead where his boy scouting career began. As a Scout, his curiosity about nature, science and how things worked was nurtured. These interests helped focus his desire to become an engineer.
Like many boys, Ross loved fast cars – probably the result of his years participating in the Boy Scouts Pinewood Derby.
It was during these formative years that Ross also became an avid fisherman, a hobby he shared with his brothers, sons, and his friends throughout his life.
Throughout his school career Ross excelled in academics and in sports. He played in several recreational leagues where he made many friends. He narrowed his interest in school team sports to Lacrosse, which he played throughout high school. Ross also had interests beyond sports. He played the clarinet and he painted. Ross got a lot out of life.
Move to Dix Hills, NY:
Ross graduated with honors from Half Hollow Hills East High School in Dix Hills New York in 1985 and continued his education at Stony Brook University where he achieved his childhood goal and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1992.
Move to Maryland:
After college, Ross began his professional career in the Engineering Department of New York’s Long Island Rail Road. He later moved to Prince Georges County Maryland where he remained for the rest of his adult life. There he made a career transition and began his 27 year career in mortgage banking.
In Maryland, he met the love of his life, Tarra Johnson who he married in Negril, Jamaica in 1996. Their union produced the joy of his life – two sons, Grant and Pierce.
Unfortunately, following a battle with breast cancer, Tarra passed away in 2009. For the next 11 years, Ross continued as a loving and devoted father. Ross supported their education and development in soccer and basketball. He was an excellent father and took the role very seriously. He was admired by his family and was awarded the family honor, “Father of the Year” in September of 2015.
Ross was a generous and kind human being, a loving and supportive son, a loyal friend to all who knew him and a devoted father until his untimely death. He will be affectionately missed by many cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.
Ross was an amazing human being — he added much to the lives of those who loved him and of those who befriended him.
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I worked with Ross for a few years. He was a very good man. We would discuss and debate many topics and not always agree, but we always stayed friends. He definitely loved his sons and always wanted the best for them
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I remember Ross and his younger brothers who love to go fishing with my late husband Jonathan who was like a big brother.
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On behalf of the Elders Ministry at the Spirit of Faith Christian Center in Prince George’s County Maryland, we send our prayers, love, and support to the family in particular Rosses son’s Granet and Pierce; be encouraged and we pray the peace of God be with you as you continue to grow and develop as great men as your father was and will always be remembered.
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I met Ross in the 80s – my mother Sandi Harris-Everett worked with his Aunt Linda. I have always loved and admired the Commodore family. I am an only child and have 2 sons and modeled some of how I am a "boy Mom" after how I saw Mrs. Commodore with her sons. Ironically, my husband Timothy, grew up with Ross in Hempstead before they moved and Timothy’s mother was their Cub Scout den mother. When Timothy’s mother passed in May, Ross called to send his condolences and we spoke a good long time. I loved hearing all the great achievements of Grant and Pierce and was so proud of them. Ross "knew it all" as I joked with him but he did and every conversation I laughed or wanted to look something up for my boys (they are 10 and 12 but I tucked away info for when they get older). Ross was an amazing father and I always saw him as a big brother I never had. He was truly one of a kind and I will miss him but I cherish all memories.
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I loved Ross dearly and will miss him forever.
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Commodore family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Guinevere & Billi Bowen
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Very sorry about this tremendous loss. Our deepest condolences to the entire Commodore family.
This memorial was beautiful and very moving, thanks for having us!
Sending our love,
The Lagarrigue.
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Ross and I had the wonderful opportunity and time coaching our sons in flag football with Grant, my son Walter-Claude and Pierce. We worked together coaching our sons which he enjoyed immensely from start to finish. Ross favorite quote he would say to all his players and especially his son Grant was " I want to see some Jets"!
I would meet with Ross over time about business, sports and religion. Upon meeting with Ross one day and asking him what would you like to have in God’s Kingdom. Ross said "I would like to get my Porsche".
I replied to him you’ll be able to have whatever your heart desires! ACTS: 24:15
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I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Ross, and in earlier years, his wife. I imagine James is stepping up as Uncle to the kids (smile James). I met the Ross Brothers while living in New York post college. I had great fun with them there.
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I met Ross through his brother, James, and sister-in-law, Alisha (my college roommate). From the day we met, I always enjoyed seeing him at James & Alisha’s place. We always had great conversations. Even when running into each other at the grocery store or at a CBC party. I will always have the upmost respect for Ross. He raised such wonderful young men. What a legacy! Ross is sorely missed.
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Some people are just necessary. This loss is insurmountable to his family and friends. All of us need Ross’s infectious laugh during these times. Rest in power my Brother. I personally have become a better father by the example and strength you set for me and other men. Love and Miss you B
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Ross was the Husband to my AKA Sorority Line Sister, Tara Commodore. Ross was a good friend, a loving husband, and a devoted father. He loved his family and he loved his friends. He will be sorely missed!
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Ross had such a great reputation and made his parents and family so proud. Sending virtual hugs to all the family.
Helen Boxwill
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Mr. Commodore was a loving and devoted father of two awesome sons. As Principal of DuVal High School I had the privilege to speak with him often as I encountered him at many school functions. He pushed public education to be better, not just for the benefit of his sons but for all children. He was a concerned parent and wanted to ensure that we prepared all students for their next chapter. I am honored to have had the opportunity to engage in conversations with him. As a school community, we will miss his presence and support. We will continue to pursue "Excellence without Excuses" as he demanded. To Grant and Pierce your Tiger Family will always be here to support you, continue to excel both in sports and academics in your father’s honor.
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Dearest Ross:
God always calls his angels home when there purpose here on earth has been fulfilled. Your memory, and all you’ve done will never be forgotten. May you continue to rest in paradise.
❤️
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There’s a lot that can be said about Ross Commodore AND the Commodore family. I’m fortunate , that in my formative years I made quick friends with James Commodore and subsequently Mr. and Mrs. Commodore and the entire Commodore family. In these times I learned how to fish, and I learned what it could be like to have 4 brothers. I love these guys, was my takeaway. Mr. And Mrs. Commodore put a premium on education and that fit with the life skills that I was developing at home. I remember wanting to be stamped "ROSS APPROVED". Ross was cool, had the sports/educated aesthetic, and was handsome, that elusive trifecta I so wanted to emulate. Ross also had a snarky/ biting sense of humor, he had a clever and funny way of making a point stick, I watched him and James interactions when they would occasionally have a difference of opinion and my inner voice would be telling me, "Now that’s how you should handle a situation" make your point but lead with love . I sponged quite a few things up while in the presence of Ross Commodore, he commanded that type of respect from me. James was my best friend in those formative years so I spent a lot of quality time at the Commodore household, learning playing video games and developing life skills that I would carry with me into adulthood. Ross was very much apart of my early development and for that I am forever grateful.
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Knowing Ross has and continues to Bless my life. Ross will be missed and never forgotten.