Ross J. Monaco

Ross J. Monaco, 82, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2025, with his family by his side. Born in 1943, in Steubenville, Ohio, to Frances and Ross Monaco, he was a man whose life was defined by his devotion to family, to his career, his care for others, and his infectious love of life. Ross graduated from Catholic Central High School in Steubenville and earned his bachelors and masters degrees from The Ohio State University, where he was a member of Alpha Phi Delta fraternity and served as president. He became a loyal Buckeye alum and lifelong fan. Ross married Elaine Burt in Steubenville, Ohio, and together they raised a daughter and four sons. Though the couple later divorced, they remained close friends. He proudly served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army.

In 1970 Ross moved his family to Arizona where he became a well respected executive and administrator in the hospital and healthcare industry, overseeing hospitals and assisted living facilities throughout his career. He was widely known for his genuine care of people and leaves a legacy in the many lives he mentored. Basketball was a lifelong passion, from playing as a youth to coaching for decades. While teaching in Ohio, he coached his first high school basketball team. He continued in Arizona, dedicating himself to coaching his own boys and countless Arizona youth through the Scottsdale Boys and Girls Club, Chaparral High School, and Greenway High School.

Known as a great mover on the dance floor, Ross also loved all kinds of music and brought joy to every room he entered. Ross is survived by his daughter, four sons, nine grandchildren, brother David Monaco, extended family and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Ross Monaco.

Ross was laid to rest at a small private family ceremony at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Avondale, Arizona, on December 22nd, 2025. A celebration of life will be held in early 2026. In honor of his memory, donations of basketballs may be made to the Scottsdale Boys and Girls Club or any youth facility where the game is played. Quoting what Ross frequently said later in life, "badda boom badda bing what a wonderful thing"—he will be profoundly missed.

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