FARMINGTON – Joseph Hayden Ross Sr., 83, of Wilton, died Monday, Aug. 6, at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Rangeley, Sept. 23, 1923, a son of Hayden and Vesta (Taylor) Ross and received his education in Rangeley schools graduating in 1940.

He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army who served in the Philippines. He worked as an auto mechanic for many years and was the sales manager for New England Furniture in Livermore Falls.

He was a lifelong resident of Wilton and he loved to cook. He was an avid fly fisherman and always looked forward to the annual Memorial Day weekend fishing trips with his family and special friends. In his later years, he took up painting and had made special paintings for his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, whom he dearly loved, Margaret (Cameron) Ross of Wilton; his children, Joseph Ross Jr., and his wife, Carol, of Wilton, Harwood Ross of Portland, Wendell Kerry Ross, and his wife, Louise, of Livermore, Dennis Maxwell of Portland and Melanie York of Wilton; three sisters, Clydis Henderson of Dixfield, Methelyn Hanscom of North Jay and Ethelyn Kenney, and her husband, Herman, of Magalloway Plantation; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Ruth Marie (Gill); two sisters; and one brother.

His presence will be greatly missed by his family and friends.