Obituary of Conrad A. Ross

Conrad Ross was born in Roxbury, New York on June 4, 1935, and passed away surrounded by family on July 18, 2023, in Binghamton, New York. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Roland and Beatrice Ross, his brother, James Ross, and several cousins. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Marilyn Ross, as well as his children Heather (David) Bedillion, Ian (Colleen) Ross, grandchildren Caela, Kelsey, Liam, and CeCe, sister-in-law Jane, and several cousins. Conrad lived in Roxbury until age 18, when he left to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music at Ithaca College. After completing his BA, he earned a Master's degree in Music from the University of Indiana. He then served two years in the US Army, during which he played in several military bands. After his service, Conrad began a teaching career in music, while continuing his own studies at the Eastman School of Music. He taught for 39 years in the Binghamton City School District, and later at SUNY Broome. He was also an active freelance musician (trumpet) in upstate New York, serving as Principal Trumpet in the Tri-Cities Opera Orchestra for 39 years, performing for 25 years with the Binghamton Philharmonic, and playing in several other groups. He later also played for many years with the Southern Tier Concert Band. After retiring from the BCSD, he continued to teach private music lessons until age 80, and wrote and edited articles for the International Trumpet Guild, as well as program notes for the Binghamton Youth Symphony. He also composed and arranged several pieces of music of his own. Conrad will most be remembered for his many decades of dedicated teaching, where he gave the gift of music to hundreds of students, some of whom became professional musicians. His greatest legacy, however, is his family. He was a dedicated, loving, and supportive husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His kind spirit, dry humor, and sharp intellect will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Binghamton Youth Symphony at BinghamtonYouthSymphony.org. Funeral Services will held at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton Monday at 11 a.m. Reverend David C. Seaver will officiate. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park, Vestal. The family will receive friends at the McCormack Funeral Home, Monday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.