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Ross William Crist

November 24, 1922 - February 21, 2017

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Obituary For Ross William Crist

November 24, 1922 - February 21, 2017

CRIST, ROSS W., age 94, of Gibsonia and formerly Oil City, died February 21, 2017, after complications from a fall. Born in Franklin, PA, in 1922, Ross attended Rocky Grove High School where his love of basketball began, playing three years on varsity and was captain and high scorer his senior year. After an early career as a machinist, Ross enlisted in the Army in May, 1943. His basic training led him to a specialized program at The Ohio State University in engineering. Needing manpower overseas, the program was discontinued and he was transferred to the 14th Armored Division (later known as part of "The Liberators") at Camp Campbell, KY. The 14th AD deployed October, 1944. Ross was a combat infantryman participating in the Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns receiving the American Theater Campaign Medal, European, African and Middle East Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Medal, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal including 2 bronze stars. After returning home, Ross completed his service with the Military Police and received his Honorable Discharge in February, 1946. He graduated from the Robert Morris School of Accounting in 1949, where he also played on the school's first basketball team as team captain. One year ago, The university honored Ross as one of the "First Colonials" at a home game. Post graduation, Mr. Crist entered the accounting field at the Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co. On July 22, 1950, he married Martha C. Stiers, his sweetheart before and after the war, in the First Presbyterian Church of Oil City thereby beginning his family and extensive civic life. He was employed for 34 years by Oil City National Bank and successor banks, retiring December 31,1984, from Mellon Bank as Vice President- Estate and Trust Administration. He attended the American Bankers Association Graduate School of Banking at Northwestern University and served as President of Pennsylvania Bankers Association's Group and Fiduciary Association. As a member of First Presbyterian Church of Oil City, he was an ordained Elder, Deacon, Trustee and Usher. He was also a 32° Mason. Ross served on boards of civic organizations including the Oil City Chamber of Commerce, Col. Drake Council of Boy Scouts, Tuberculosis Society, Salvation Army, and the YMCA where he headed the building committee. Service to other associations included the Kiwanis Club, Adelphoi Club, Hundred Club and Wanango Country Club. He served on or chaired fund raising committees for the Oil City Hospital, Venango Campus of Clarion University, and Oil City United Way. Ross and Martha wintered in Naples, FL, for 28 years alongside many Oil City friends. At age 11 he lost his mother Nina Adams Crist, and brother James L. Crist in 1941, and father LeRoy Crist in 1946. Ross is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Martha, his sons James Leroy (Amy) of Hampton Township, PA, William Ross of Hinsdale, IL, grandsons Ross William Crist II of Dubai, UAE, Philip Hall Crist of Dallas, TX, and granddaughters Emma Caroline Crist of Hampton Township and Emily Margaret Crist of New York City. A faithful, kind, modest and charitable man was Ross. His family is deeply appreciative of his life, his lessons to us and his love. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Oil City or the Oil City YMCA. A memorial service will be held March 2, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church of Oil City, 215 Bissell Ave, at 11:00 a.m. The family will greet friends from 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Arrangements made by John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh PA 15227.

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Condolences

  • December 11, 2019

    My sincere condolences to the family. I ran on the bike trail at Titusville with Ross on his inaugural birthday run when he hoped to run a number of miles on his birthday and add a mile every year. Martha picked us up at Pithole. Also got to play poker with Ross on Thursday nights. He was a true friend and a real gentleman. I never realized he was a fellow Oriole at Rocky Grove. Many great memories.

  • December 11, 2019

    My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family, as you celebrate Ross's remarkable life.

  • December 11, 2019

    Ross provided me with the guidance to become proficient in the trust profession as well as a great friend. He was a great role model not only in the trust area but also as an individual.

  • December 11, 2019

    Dear Martha, Jim, Bill and family, I was sorry to hear of Ross's death. He certainly was an example of a life well lived.His faith encouraged us. I miss all of you often, as I look at your Bouquin Circle home. We remember Ross helping to put toys together with Bob late Christmas eve, your anniversary party and our neighborhood gatherings. I remember his determination after surgery to walk the circle and gather strength.I remember our visit in Florida.I pray God's mighty power, thru His Spirit, comfort, assure and strengthen all of you.I am sorry that we will be out of town of the 2nd of March.Hugs Rosalie Bablak

  • December 11, 2019

    Was fortunate to have known and worked with Ross for many years at the former Northwest Bank, later Mellon North. As a senior officer of the bank, Ross was always helpful, friendly and supportive toward younger employees. Am not sure he really realized how much that mean to us. Later, we often talked and reminisced while at Wanango. Ross had many wonderful human qualities and many will remember him fondly. Our sympathies to his family.

  • December 11, 2019

    Condolences to Mrs. Crist, Jim, Amy, Bill, and the grandchildren. I remember Mr. Crist as a very sincere and kind person, and as a very good father to Jim and Bill. Renate and I will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Dave Andres, Rockingham, NC

  • December 11, 2019

    Martha so sorry for your loss. I will say a pray for Ross so that his soul may rest in eternal peace.

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