Angelo Rafael Ross Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Cruz, California, on November 3, 2025, surrounded by family. He was 86 years old. Born on September 23, 1939, to Marguerite Nellie Ross and Angelo Rafael Ross Sr., he was the youngest of two children. His childhood was marked by laughter and a strong sense of community, which he later instilled in his students and athletes throughout his distinguished career as a teacher and coach.
Growing up in Santa Cruz, Angelo enjoyed a vibrant childhood filled with neighborhood games and large family gatherings. He attended Laurel Elementary School, Mission Hill Junior High, and Santa Cruz High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. As a junior, he earned a spot on the All-CCAL lightweight basketball team and later made the All-League varsity team as a senior. Angelo graduated in 1958 as the class salutatorian, having been offered a basketball scholarship to UC Riverside, which he declined in favor of attending San Jose State University.
At San Jose State, he earned a bachelor’s degree and a secondary teaching credential, graduating with honors. His academic achievements were recognized by his induction into the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society.
Angelo’s commitment to education and service to his country led him to join the United States Army Reserves as a military policeman at Fort Gordon in Georgia. Upon completing his service, he returned to Santa Cruz, where he began a long and impactful career in education. From 1964 to 1999, Angelo taught at Mission Hill Junior High School, where he became a beloved figure, known for his engaging teaching style and deep connection with his students. He taught subjects including U.S. History, Civics, and Physical Education, and also served as the school’s athletic director.
His colleagues and students remember Angelo not just as a teacher but as a mentor who instilled values of responsibility and perseverance. He often took students on trips to Washington, D.C., further enriching their educational experience.
A Coaching Legacy in Central Coast Athletics
Angelo’s influence extended beyond the classroom into the realm of athletics, where he made a significant impact over five decades. He began coaching football at Holy Cross High School from 1964 to 1970 before moving to Marello Preparatory High School, where he coached from 1970 to 1977. In 1976, his coaching prowess led the Marello Prep varsity basketball team to an impressive 21 wins and a share of the Mission Trail Athletic League championship, earning him the title of “Co-Coach of the Year.”
In 1977, Angelo joined the coaching staff at Palma High School in Salinas, where he remained until his retirement in 2014. During this nearly 40-year tenure, he and his colleagues led the Chieftains to an extraordinary 28 league championships and 11 CCS titles, including a remarkable 48-game unbeaten streak. He also contributed to the Santa Cruz High School baseball team, helping them secure the league title in 1989.
Angelo’s dedication to youth athletics was evident in his involvement with Pony and Colt youth leagues, where he mentored hundreds of young athletes. His contributions to sports were recognized with his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame at Marello Preparatory High School in 1986, Palma High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000, and Santa Cruz High School’s Hall of Fame in 2018.
Perseverance and Family Values
In July 2014, Angelo experienced a rare spinal cord stroke that resulted in paralysis. Despite this significant challenge, he remained resilient, continuing to review game film and support his players. He frequently attended Friday night games, offering encouragement from the sidelines. Angelo embodied his belief that “perseverance is something I try to teach,” a lesson he lived out daily.
Family was central to Angelo’s life. He lived in the same Santa Cruz home where he grew up, caring for his mother until her passing at the age of 103. He maintained close relationships with his sister, Diane; brother-in-law, Fred; and his nieces, Pamela and Stephanie. Angelo often credited his mother with teaching him to look for the good in everyone, a philosophy that shaped his teaching and coaching approach.
The family expressed deep gratitude to his caregiver, “Tootsie,” for her unwavering dedication and compassionate care over 11 years. They also thanked Christian Vega, Cathy, Joe, the Escobar family, and medical professionals Dr. Raj Singh, Dr. David Beck, and Dr. Michael Yen for their exceptional support.
Angelo Ross Jr. is survived by his sister, Diane Marguerite Treseler; brother-in-law, Frederick Treseler; nieces Pamela Treseler Gangloff (Marvin) and Stephanie Treseler Colvin (Zach); great-nephew Michael Angelo Gangloff (Rachael); and great-great-nieces Bailey, Kallie, and Rylee Gangloff.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 24, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Resurrection Church in Aptos, California. The service will be officiated by Fr. Ron Shirley, a close friend of Angelo for nearly six decades. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in honor of Angelo’s lifelong dedication to education and coaching be made to Palma School in Salinas, California.
