Rev. Richard Gerald Ross

In your prayers, please remember Rev. Richard G. Ross who passed from this life on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at the age of 80.

Father Richard Ross was born on April 8, 1941 to the late Anthony P. Ross and Rose Kupcso in Chicago, Illinois.  He was baptized at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Chicago.  He was educated at St. Peter Canisius (grade school), St. Patrick (high school), Quigley Preparatory Seminary and St. Mary of the Lake (Mundelein Seminary).

Father Ross was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1967 by Bishop Romeo Blanchette.  Immediately after his ordination he served as parochial vicar at St. Alexis in Bensenville (June 1967-Feb. 1969).  Subsequently, he served at the following parishes:  St. Jude (Feb. 1969-July1973 / Parochial Vicar); St. Raymond Cathedral (July 1973 – June 1977 / Parochial Vicar); St. Jude (June 1977 – June 1989 / Pastor); St. Mary Magdalene (June 1989 – June 1999 / Pastor); St. Bernard (June 1999 – June 2016 / Pastor).

He is survived by his brother, Anthony Ross; sister, Natalie (the late David) Loveday; niece, Catherine (Patrick) Hoadley; nephew, Andrew Loveday; niece, Emily (Kyle) Gruba; and grandnephew, Lincoln Ross Hoadley. Father Ross also leaves behind many cousins and friends that loved him dearly.

Father Richard Ross had a grand love for all of God’s creation, especially all creatures great and small. He found tranquility in the beauty of nature and the outdoors. Father Ross served the people of Joliet for over 50 years and formed countless friendships in that time.

Please pray for the repose of Father Ross’ soul and the consolation of his family.  May Father Ross rest in the peace of Christ the Lord.

A special thank you to the staff at Our Lady of Angels for the wonderful comfort and care provided to Father Ross.

Rev. Richard Gerald Ross will lie-in-state at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet on Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville.