United States Army Captain Andrew Patrick Ross, 29, of Aberdeen, N.C., died November 27, 2018.
He was killed in action while serving with Special Forces in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel in Afghanistan.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel Matthew Ross.
He is survived by his wife, Felicia Ross, and their beloved dogs, Bubba and Dolly. He is also survived by his mother, Beth Ross of Richmond (Joseph Gerschick), his father, Stephen Ross of Richmond (Kerry Torres), his sister, Sarah Ross Geisen, her husband, United States Marine Corps Maj. Brian Geisen, Sneads Ferry, N.C., nephews John Geisen and Michael Geisen of Sneads Ferry, N.C., grandparents, Leonard and Margaret Ross of Richmond, and Rowan and Geraldine Jones of Portsmouth.
Drew and Felicia lived a love story written in the constellations built upon their mutual care for each other and those who entered their lives. They considered everyone in their circle to be family. The couple wed on February 17, 2018. He was the very proud uncle and godfather of John and Michael Geisen.
Drew was well-known for his infectious smile, his playful sense of humor and his ever-present passion for fitness. Drew lived by the motto "Never Falter, Never Quit." He was a leader in every sense of the word and now provides "overwatch" for all of his brothers.
He graduated West Point in 2011 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (second award), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Action Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, and Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.
In the words of General George S. Patton, "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." We all thank God for Andrew Patrick Ross.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, December 15-16, at Bliley's Funeral Home (Central Location), 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond, VA 23230.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, December 17, 2018 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 4491 Springfield Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
Interment will be at a future date at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to APK Charities, apkcharities.org, or Duskin & Stephens Foundation, www.duskinandstephens.org. (under Andrew Patrick Ross in each.)
