Father Joseph N. Ross, M.S., 87, a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette, of the La Salette Shrine and Center in Enfield, N.H., died Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 at St. Mary Home in West Hartford, CT.

He was born June 25, 1928 in Warren, RI, a son of the late Joseph H. and Alvina (Fortin) Ross. He attended school in Warren and Providence, RI before studying at the La Salette Seminary in Enfield. Father Ross entered the novitiate of the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette on July 1, 1949 in East Brewster, MA and made his first profession of vows on July 2, 1950.

He continued his studies at the La Salette Seminary in Attleboro, MA and received his S.T. L. at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Father was ordained on Sept. 29, 1955 at La Salette in Grenoble, France.

Subsequent to his ordination, Father Ross served in the missions in the Philippines for 10 years. During this time, he was the director of the Minor Seminary and taught high school in addition to his pastoral work.

Upon Father’s return to North America, he ministered in Ottawa, Canada in parish work until he was named the Co-director of Students and was Director of Postulants at the College Seminary in Worcester, MA. In 1979, he was assigned to the La Salette Shrine in Attleboro, MA where he ministered until his assignment to the La Salette Shrine and Center in Enfield, NH in 1998. He served there until his final illness.

In the 1970s Father Ross began a youth club. He wanted to offer a safe alternative to keeping young people from getting into trouble in the streets. Father had a way of drawing people to him and communicating with them in a deep and meaningful way. His love for his neighbor was evident in his ministry. From the missions in the Philippines to the streets of America, he brought Christ to all with whom he came in contact.

In addition to his La Salette Community, Father Ross is survived by several cousins and numerous friends.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22, 2016 at the La Salette Shrine Church in Attleboro, MA. Calling hours will be held in the Reconciliation Room of the Shrine on Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 5 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Father Ross’ memory to Missionaries of Our Lady of la Salette Retirement Fund, 915 Maple Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114-2330.

Arrangments provided by Sperry & McHoul Funeral Home, 15 Grove Street, North Attleboro. To sign an online guestbook for Father Ross, please visit www.sperry-mchoul.com.