Joseph L. Ross

Joseph Ross aka "Joe the Chromer" was born in Mountain View, Calif. June 15, 1925, passed away on Feb. 17, 2009. A 31-year resident of Minden, his passing was 3 hours shy of the one-year anniversary of the passing of his beloved wife, Doris Ross. He was the loving father of Alan Ross of Minden and Dorrene Ross of Newark, Calif. He is survived by his sister Josephine (Pip) Johnson of Mountain View, Calif., older brother Gregory Ross of Los Altos, Calif., his wife's favorite stray cat, Itty Bitty, his large extended family and many wonderful friends.

Joe was known as the world's oldest chrome plater having begun his career in Santa Rosa, Calif. in 1948. He continued to work at his one-man shop until his passing. He loved Carson Valley often calling it God's country and saying there was nowhere else he would rather live. Joe was a veteran of World War II having served his country as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corp. In Joe's lifetime he enjoyed hunting and fishing, building his custom cars, traveling to car events with friends, spending time with horses, telling stories, enjoying all types of car racing on television, watching the birds outside his front window, but more then anything he enjoyed visits from his customers. He will be missed by many as there will never be another "Joe the Chromer".

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial tribute 3 p.m., Saturday at FitzHenry's Funeral Home and Crematory, 3945 Fairview Drive, Carson City. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association or your favorite charity in Joe's name.