Ross Velys Of Water Mill Dies March 14

Ross Velys of Water Mill died on March 14 of complications from congestive heart failure. He was 92.

He was born August 23, 1928 in New York City. He was a pillar of his community both personally and professionally, according to his family.

Professionally, Mr. Velys, in partnership with his wife Teddy, grew Revco Electrical Supply, Inc. from a small feed barn in Riverhead in May 1978 into the preeminent electrical design and supply resource on Long Island with six locations and 80 employees over 42 years later.

The award-winning flagship Southampton location was built in 1986. Mr. Velys always believed in being first to market with cutting edge technology, offering cell phone service in the late 1970s. As the founder and senior executive of Revco Inc., Mr. Velys leaves a legacy of unimpeachable integrity and selfless generosity of spirit that leaves a permanent imprint on those who had the privilege to know him or work with him, according to his family. One customer of many years said, “He was the last of the true gentlemen I know.”

When the clerks at the Stop and Shop across from Revco discovered Mr. Velys had died, they all broke down in tears, his family said, noting that he will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his spouse and business partner of 65 years, Theodora Velys; his youngest sister, Dolly Scavelli; nephews Micheal and Billy Velys; and nieces Simone Lutz, Frances Lerner, Valerie Kelly, Stephanie Johnston, Denise Zitzmann, Madeline Masser, Dawn Fotopulos, Annie Saba and Stacey Moran.

Both Ross and Teddy Velys have been devoted members of the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church community in Southampton for over 30 years, and were instrumental in the renovation and restoration of the church. A funeral service was held at the church on March 17.

Memorial donations may be made to a favorite charity or the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 111 St Andrews Rd, Southampton, NY 11968 (dormitionhamptons.org).