Ian Munro Ross, 85 of New Smyrna Beach died Sunday, March 10, 2013 at home with his wife and daughter Nancy by his side. Ian was born August 15, 1927 in Southport, England to the late Winifred (nee Jones) and Donald Ross. Dr. Ross received his Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Gonville and Caius College of Cambridge University in 1948 and his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from Cambridge in 1952. Dr. Ross had a 40 year career with Bell Laboratories, servicing the company in both management and engineering capacities, and lastly as president. Dr. Ross joined Bell Laboratories in 1952, where he became engaged in the development of a wide variety of semiconductor devices. In 1959, he became director of the Semiconductor Laboratory and was later named director of the Semiconductor Device and Electron Tube Laboratory. Dr. Ross was appointed managing director of Bellcomm, Inc., a Bell System subsidiary that provided systems engineering support for the Apollo manned space flight program in 1964 and was elected President in 1968. He returned to Bell Laboratories in 1971 and was Vice President and elected President in 1979. Dr. Ross received numerous awards for his dedication and technological developments. He received the Morris N. Liebmann Award (now the IEEE Daniel E. Noble Award of Emerging Technologies) from the Institute of Radio Engineers, Public Service Group Achievement Award from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Industrial Research Institute Medal, distinguished Service Award from the National Society of Professional Engineers, IEEE Founders Medal “For distinguished Leadership of AT & T Bell Laboratories guiding innovation in telecommunications and information processing” and the Arthur M. Bueche Award. He served on several commercial boards and on an advisory council to the President of Taiwan. His innovative ideas and leadership to inspire great works will live on for future generations. Dr. Ian M. Ross is survived by his wife, of 57 years, Christina; three children, Tim Ross and his wife, Deb Harms, Nancy Ross and Stina Ross and two grandchildren, Camille and Annika. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made to Daytona Beach Symphony Society, PO BOX 2, Daytona Beach, FL 32115, Marine Discovery Center, 520 Barracuda Blvd, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 or Monmouth University,400 Cedar Ave.,West Long Branch, NJ 07764.
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. We have fond memories of you as our neighbors and of Ian, a role model to many of us.
Unfortunately we cannot be there for the service since we are
out of town.
He & your family are in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Judy & Don
Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time.