COOPERSTOWN – Jonathan T. Ross, 61, passed away peacefully in his sleep, in his cabin, on his land in Hinman Hollow where he was his happiest. A longtime resident of Cooperstown and the surrounding area, Jonathan was a known favorite within the community. Nicknamed Jonny Bench for his reserved seat in Pioneer “Farkel” Park in Cooperstown, he will be truly missed by all dear friends and family.
Jonathan was born on May 7, 1963, in Passaic, NJ, to James and Barbara Ross. He was raised in Monmouth Beach, NJ, Rumson, NJ, and Cooperstown. During his early years he would become one of Madison Avenues top high fashion children models, along with his siblings, Alyssa and James Jr. Throughout the 1960s and 70s he modeled with many well known actors like Wilhelmina and Brooke Shields, as well as appearing on Flip Wilson’s The Fifth Dimension. He was also photographed many times by the famed photographer Otto Stupakoff. Along with his beloved siblings, they became very sought after and successful in the child modeling world of that time, seen often in magazines such as Penney’s, The New York Times magazine, and Harper’s Bazaar, and for labels like Lord and Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue. Jonathan was always said to have been the most successful model of all 6 of the Ross children.
Upon a long career in childhood modeling the family moved year round to Cooperstown when he was in high school, where they had previously summered. In 1980 Jonathan was chosen to play a soldier in the movie “The Private History of the Campaign that Failed” by Mark Twain, which was filmed in Otsego County. He spent his high school years working at the Peppermill as a prep cook, worked the rope tow at Mt. Otsego, and gardened for Mrs. Hadley in the summer months as well. He graduated CCS in 1982, and then did a post graduate year of education at the Christchurch School in Christchurch, VA along the Rappahannok River, where he sailed lasers and sneakbox. Deciding college wasn’t his thing, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1983. He was first stationed in New Bedford, MA on the USCG High Endurance Unimac from ‘83-‘85 and then in Oswego from ‘85-‘87. In Oswego, he handled boats that did summersaults! Upon leaving the USCG he moved back to Cooperstown and began employment at Bruce Hall Corp as a delivery man, where he worked for several years. He also Captained the Chief Uncas and Narra Mattah for a spell, until retiring to his bench in Farkel Park. Jonathan won the hearts of many with deep conversations and greetings over the years. One can honestly say it takes a village, and Cooperstown and its surrounding community loved and were loved by him.
He was predeceased by his parents, James and Barbara, as well as his dear sister Alyssa Eppich and brother James Ross, Jr.
He is survived by three brothers, Joshua and his wife Betsy Ross of Marshfield, MA, Sam Ross of Hinman Hollow, and Justin Ross of Fly Creek; nephews Angus and Bert Ross of Marshfield, MA, Colin Ross of Cherry Valley, and Gilly Ross of Cooperstown; nieces Sarah Eppich of Maine and Lucy Ross of Cooperstown; a brother-in-law Frederick Eppich of Saco, ME; Aunt Judy and Uncle Bill Weber of New Hampshire and Uncle Jonny Maczko of New Jersey; and cousins Lori, Kim and Cheryl, Robbie and Ryan.
A Memorial Service will be offered at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Christ Church, Cooperstown, with the Rev’d Nathan P. Ritter, Rector officiating. Immediately following the service at church, all are invited to re-gather for a party at the pond.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.
