Ross Lanzafame was born in 1947 in Syracuse, New York to Frank and Julia Lanzafame. His childhood was filled with many struggles and challenges that tested him dearly. Starting at a young age he saw and experienced first hand the negative impact of unhealthy dependencies with alcohol as both of his parents struggled to raise him and his siblings. After being abandoned by his parents and passed around from foster home to foster home he made perhaps the most important decision of his entire life at the age of 17 when he left Syracuse New York and traveled thousands of miles to a small West Texas town of San Angelo, Texas. That decision in 1964 would not only change him forever but the lives of so many others as he set course for a new life, a better life with one singular purpose, to start a family and fill it with love, humor, understanding, respect and purpose. Shortly after arriving in San Angelo and at the young age of 17, Ross met Judy while working at the Charcoal House. She would become his friend, wife and love of his life for the next 50 years. The bond between a slick looking cross between Elvis and Desi Arnez from Syracuse, New York and the small town girl from San Angelo Texas was a match that could only be made by Divine Hand. They were married on April 15, 1967 and shortly afterwards moved to Hobbs, New Mexico as Ross had started to work for an up and coming retail operation called McCroys where he was working his way up through the ranks through his dedication, hard work, long hours and his desire for accomplishment. On October 3, 1967 and at the young age of 18 and 19, they welcomed the birth of not one but two boys, Scott and Mike, into their arms. The family that Ross so desired as a child was starting to become true with the addition of twins. Yes, twins and despite his attempts to convince the doctor that only one of the boys was his, he and Judy left the hospital with BOTH of their sons. Over the next few years as the boys grew into toddlers, Ross continued his career at McCroy's and after numerous promotions and advancements within the company and a few short term moves along the way, they landed in Bossier City, Louisiana where they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Lori on June 2, 1972. Judy had the female companionship she really needed at that point and Ross had someone to snap the ball to him in the back yard. Ross' success at McCroy's was a blessing in that it allowed for him to provide for his family, but with one small down side, the many transfers and moves. Over the next 5 years, he and his family lived in Little Rock, AR, Denver, CO, DeLand, FL before finally settling for the long term in Irving, Texas in 1977. During this time, Ross achievements at McCroy had earned him many special recognition awards and top sales winning trips to Greece, Israel, Brazil and Egypt. The sight of Ross and Judy on camels was a bit too much for the children but they were all quite proud of their father and happy for his success. Ross continued to work at McCoy's through the mid 1980's in the ranks of upper management, where he struck his greatest balance between success and family. Many times during the 80's Ross was offered his "dream" job at McCroy's HQ in York, PA..each time passing on the offer as he decided that once his children were in High School he would not sacrifice their experience, friendships, stability for his success. So each time he regretfully passed on promotions if it meant having to uproot his family again. The commitment he made to himself at the age of 17 to create a loving family was too strong for him ignore even if it impacted his career and professional goals. The 1980's and 1990's were filled with very special moments for Ross. His children graduated with their friends, he traveled to many places with his wife and family, including several trips to his dream destination of Hawaii where he enjoyed what would become his next passion in life...golf. Golf kind of snuck up on Ross but once he found it he would never let it go. Ross was a very competitive person, in just about everything he did and the thought of a small white ball causing him so much anguish early on was simply the next challenge in his life. So over the next 30 years or so he would spend just about every weekend he could at the golf course, playing with his sons, their friends and a group of buddies over the years at various golf courses in the area. He would also fly to visit friends in other states and participate in many "friendly wager" matches and tournaments. Those that played with Ross would quickly recognize the "unusual swing", and it was, but what they could not argue with was the results. Some how, some way, Ross was able to translate that awkward swing into results, birdies and pars. If one was to pay too much attention on the form they would fail to see the results, much like how he lived his life. The results were undeniable, just ask his frustrated sons who simply could not beat him on the golf course no matter how hard they tried or wanted to. One thing is for sure, Ross loved to play golf and it did not matter what the conditions were, or even if the golf course was "officially" open. McCroy's struggled financially and went into bankruptcy in the mid 1990's. That afforded him the opportunity to fulfill one of his dreams of opening his own restaurant, "Rosario's" in downtown Dallas where you could get a quick breakfast, lunch or the Rosario special of the day. He loved owning his own place, put his heart and soul into it, but unfortunately, like so many other new restaurants, the numbers were not adding up in profits and he decided to move back into the retail management field and this is when good fortune was certainly shining on him. In the late 1990's after turning 50 he started working for Family Dollar. This company filled with so many good folks rejuvenated him and led to many long term meaningful relationships. He always spoke highly of his time at Family Dollar and how grateful he was for them giving him another opportunity to do what he did best making customer's happy and running clean , profitable stores. During this time, he continued to raise his three children into adulthood and the the next stages of their lives. It is during this time that made him the proudest and happiest, being a grandfather or "peepaw" to his 6 grandchildren, Hunter, Camron, Tanner, Alix, Preston and Jack. How great it was for Ross to become "kid like" again for the sake of entertaining the newest additions to his family. Peepaw never passed on a chance to become "Robin" to a grandchild's Batman, or learn the nuances of Guitar Hero, or be someone's "Polo" to their "Marco" or to have a water balloon fight IN THE HOUSE. The memories are endless, timeless and rewarding for Ross and give way to a softer side. A side that was willing to say "I love you" over and over again, especially to his grand children. When questioned about where were all the "I love you's " in the past by a certain son, his response was simple and humorous..."none of my grandchildren have backed the family vehicle into a semi, none of them have put "regular" verus "unleaded" gasoline into another, none of them have called me late in the evening to help pull their car out of the mud at a location that was shall we say questionable'".. his point was well taken and speaks to his rather sharp and pointed sense of humor. As the years went by, Ross and Judy were looking forward to retirement, planned for it and were close to welcoming that dream a reality. A time to spend more time together back where they started, San Angelo, Texas and be able to sit back and reflect back at a life together well served, a family well raised, friendships made, memories forged, laughs captured, sorrows managed and most important to enjoy the fruits of his labor, their labor,to spend their time together, take trips, play golf, shop, spend time with the grandkids during the summer, play with the pets, especially his favorite "Munchie" and all the other comforts and joy retirement offers. However, as it would turn out God had a different sort of plan for Ross. A plan that is hard for those that love him dearly to understand or accept but a Plan that would give him the peace and glory that he so richly deserved. Just a few days post retirement in 2014 Ross and his family learned that he was suffering from stage 4 cancer. Ross tackled this disease head on, undergoing numerous chemo treatments and radiation, but in the end, it was simply too much to overcome and on November 21, 2014 surrounded by his family, he succumbed to his illness here on earth., but not before his mission in life was accomplished. A mission he set out on when he was 17 to change his destiny and create a new one filled with family, friends, love, and respect. God said mission accomplished...time to come home my Son. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 25, 2014, at Donnellys Colonial Funeral Home Chapel, 606 West Airport Freeway in Irving.