Warren Ross Vance

Warren Ross Vance, age 70, passed away peacefully in the Seasons Hospice Inpatient Center in Milton, Massachusetts on Monday, March 5, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Mexico City, Missouri on September 17, 1947, he was the son of the late Warren L. and Ruth Maureen (Schimmels) Vance. He was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts, where as a young boy, he was an avid athlete, playing both baseball and basketball. Warren was also a member of the Boy Scouts of America, eventually earning the rank of Life Scout. During his high school career, Warren continued showcasing his athletic skills with the baseball team and also began running Cross Country. He was a member of the chess club for a couple of years and a member of the A/V Club for all four years, before graduating with the Class of 1967.

Warren proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was stationed aboard the USS Ticonderoga as a Signalman Third Class, earning various medals and awards for his service. Warren was initiated into the Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep on April 9, 1968, after crossing the equator on a US Naval Ship for the first time. On May 26, 1971, Warren was honorably discharged from the Navy and returned to his hometown of Walpole.

Upon his return home from the Navy, Warren married Pamela J. Calf on August 21, 1971. The young couple made their home together in Walpole, where they welcomed their two sons, Matthew and Jared. As a young father, Warren began taking classes at Northeast Institute of Industrial Technology, studying Technical Drafting and Design. He continued his education at Massasoit Community College, earning his associates degree in 1981 and later earned his bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the Wentworth Institute of Technology in 1985.

In the early 1980s, Warren found work with the Bird Machine Company in Walpole, however after earning his degree in computer science, in 1987, he took a position with Prime Computer and later Data General in 1988. In 1989, he moved away from computers to begin his own company, Vance Paper and Paint, and towards the end of his career, in addition to operating his company, Warren also began helping out at the Stratford Street United Church. Even in his retirement, Warren enjoyed keeping busy, working at Sophia Snow Place from 2012 through 2014. In addition to staying busy with his full-time jobs, Warren put his culinary skills to work, taking positions in the kitchens of Finian's Restaurant, Heritage House and The Play House in Dennis.

In his spare time, Warren took great pride in tending to his garden and plants in and around his home and enjoyed following the Boston Red Sox and New York Giants (although the Patriots were a close second). He also enjoyed staying active, both physically and mentally, playing countless rounds of golf and piecing together jigsaw puzzles. Warren loved spending time at the beach, and after meeting his girlfriend in February of 2015, took many trips with her family to Barbados to enjoy the tropical beaches. Back at home, Warren always looked forward to catching up with his old friends, Dee, Phil, and Karen and as a lover of music, he could be found at one of countless concerts held in the Boston area.

Most of all, Warren was a dedicated family man, who was incredibly proud of his sons. He spent countless hours coaching his two sons in baseball and basketball and coached them on the team that won the 1982 Walpole Pee-Wee Little League Championship. The athletics did not end on the field or court, as a member of the Massachusetts Ski Club, Warren took his two sons skiing every weekend. Warren was thrilled at the birth of his grandchildren and treasured every moment he spent with them. He always looked forward to family parties where he could catch up with his nieces and nephews as well as their children.

Loving father of Matthew R. Vance of Franklin and Jared B. Vance of Rhode Island.
Cherished grandfather of Ethan, Aidan, Austin, Hannah, and Samantha.
Beloved companion of Carolyn Kinch.
Former husband of Pamela J. (Calf) Travers.
Brother of Steve Vance and his wife Carol of North Attleboro, Mark Vance and his wife Gail of Wisconsin, and the late Julie Gaines.
Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Warren's Life Celebration on Friday, March 23, 2018 from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. Funeral service and interment will be private at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Home For Our Troops, 6 Main Street, Taunton, MA 02780.