Curtis Ross, affectionately known as “Curt,” was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a city that shaped his spirit and remained home throughout his life. Curtis will be remembered for his steady presence, quiet strength, unmistakable warmth, and the way he showed love through action, laughter, and consistency.

As a child, Curtis boxed, an experience that helped shape his discipline, confidence, and resilience. He also developed a lifelong love for basketball, a passion that never faded. As he grew older, that love turned into service. Curtis dedicated himself to coaching youth basketball, including at the YMCA, where he mentored young athletes and taught them more than just the game. He taught patience, pride, teamwork, and how to carry yourself with integrity.

Curtis was also a passionate cook and a great chef. Food was one of the ways he expressed love. He was known for making plates just for the people he cared about and for bringing everyone together around the table. His favorites included Popeyes chicken, hoagies, pork chops, pickles, spaghetti and meatballs, and shrimp scampi — meals that became memories.

He loved going to the casino, especially on trips to Atlantic City, his favorite place in the world. Whether enjoying the atmosphere, debating sports, or having a drink—gin or a cold Bud Ice beer, those moments brought him joy. Curtis loved watching sports and was well known for debating his favorite teams, always with passion and humor. He proudly cheered for the Philadelphia Eagles, 76ers, Flyers, and Phillies, and enjoyed sports, westerns, and the show Empire.

Music was a big part of Curtis’s life. His favorite artists included Earth, Wind & Fire, Heatwave, War, Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, Barry White, Bobby Brown, and R. Kelly.

Curtis was preceded in death by his father, George Daniel Ross, and his stepfather, Charles Flynn Sr.

Above all else, Curtis loved his family. He loved nothing more than his sweetie, Gigi, and his only daughter, Juwanna (“JJ”), who was his heart, his constant, and his safe place.

Curtis was a proud grandfather to his granddaughters Cierra, Ciani, Keyira, and Sanaa, and his grandson Jahmier. To them, he was known for his familiar laugh, unexpected trips, plates made just for them, and a presence that made everything feel right. He watched with pride as Jahmier grew into the game of basketball, carrying forward the love Curtis passed down.

He is also survived by his mother, Marva Ross, whom he lovingly called “Mert,” his younger brother, Mandell Ross, and his stepbrother, Charles Flynn Jr., along with extended family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Curtis made space for joy. He made room for people to be themselves. Even now, his presence is felt — in shared memories, in family laughter, and every time a basketball hits the court.

Though he may be gone from sight, Curtis “Curt” Ross lives on through the love he gave, the lessons he taught, and the family who will carry his spirit forward — always.

Letter from His Daughter

My Dad,

You left this world far too soon, and not a day passes that I do not feel the quiet space your absence has carved into my life. Even so, your presence remains—steady, loving, and unmistakable. You were my first home, my constant, my safe place.

As your only child and daughter, I knew your love in a way that was deeply personal and unwavering. You showed up for me in ways that mattered most—through laughter that filled a room, through gentle guidance, and through a strength that never needed to be loud to be felt. Your joy was contagious, your warmth undeniable, and your love something I will carry with me always.

You taught me how to live with heart, how to stand with integrity, and how to love without condition. In your eyes, I saw encouragement. In your voice, I heard reassurance. In your presence, I felt protected. Even now, in moments of grief, the memories we shared continue to shine brightly within my heart.

Though my world feels a little darker without you here, I find comfort in knowing you are at peace. I believe you are watching over me, guiding me still—just in a different way. When loneliness finds me, I look upward and feel your love surrounding me, reminding me that our bond did not end; it simply changed.

Your legacy lives on through the lives you touched and through the daughter who will forever be shaped by your love. I will walk forward carrying your lessons, your laughter, and your spirit with me always.

Rest in peace, Dad.

Until we meet again, you will forever be my hero, my heart, and my home.

With love,

Your JJ

For Our Grandpop

You were the kind of love

that never needed an announcement.

It showed up in small moments—

a familiar laugh,

a plate made just for us,

your stubby kisses that always made us smile,

and a presence that made everything feel right.

You made space for joy.

You made room for us.

In your arms, in your stories,

in the way you let us be ourselves

without ever asking us to be anything else.

Even now, we feel you around us—

in the warmth of family,

in shared memories,

in the quiet moments

where love still speaks without words.

Thank you for loving us

the way only you could.

We will carry that love forward,

wrapped around our hearts,

forever.

With all our love,

From your granddaughters,

Cierra, Ciani & Keyira

Grandpop,

You saw me before I knew who I was becoming.

You watched me grow into the game

the same way you once did—

with pride, patience, and love.

You never had to say much.

You showed me.

In the way you talked about basketball,

the way you cheered for the Sixers,

the way your love for the game never faded.

When I play, I’ll think about you.

Not just the shots or the wins,

but the joy of the game

and the bond we shared because of it.

Those moments stay with me

long after the ball stops bouncing.

I’ll keep playing for both of us.

I’ll keep carrying what you passed down—

your love for basketball,

your spirit,

and the pride of being your grandson.

You may be gone from sight,

but you live on every time I step on the court.

Always your grandson,

Jahmier