Robert Harold Ross

Robert "Bob" "Bobby" Ross, age 84, formally of Northlake and Maywood, Illinois, passed away from complications of old age in a skilled nursing home in New Port Richey, Florida.

He was the beloved son on of Harold Ross (Lillian Ross) and loving mother Joan Kowalski (James Kowalski). He is survived by his sister, Janus Rose and brother Donald Williams.
Robert was the father of three children whom he raised with first wife late Georgia Lee Somen of Northlake: Robert L. Ross, Bryan H. Ross (Lisa) and Roberta L. Ross (George Miller).

Robert was son-in-law of Frank and Alta Somen, and brother-in-law of Randall, Martin and Ross Somen of Northlake for 35 years.

Robert was father-in-law to Lisa Ross and George Miller and proud grandfather to Nicole and Lauren Ross, and great grandfather to Skylar McGiffen. He was uncle to Michael Somen, Julie Somen Becker, Tim Somen, Luke Somen, Jacob Somen, Joseph Blazen, and the late Steven Blazen.

Robert remarried to Sheila (Houlmes) and was step-father to Melissa Bruce and Mark Mroczkowski.

Robert had a lifelong passion for rollerskating, long distance trail bicycling, and enjoying the outdoors - all of which he shared with his family. He was also a passionate fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks, and later in life the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Robert will be remembered by many as a funny man who was always quick with a joke and a laugh.

I will remember him as Dad. Dad was my trusted confidant and I his from beginning to the very end. I consider myself fortunate beyond measure to have been able to rent a room near him in New Port Richey for five months so I could visit him everyday, and then after leaving Florida was able to converse with him on the telephone most every single day. He taught me to roller skate and taught me the bronze, silver and gold level dances (at which he excelled) of the Roller Skating Association of America. He modeled for me to not take everything so seriously, the love of play and laughter, and to enjoy the pleasures of bicycling and long walks on the Illinois State Prairie Path and the many Cook County Forest Preserves. To we children he was a fun father who shared his gifts with us and took our family on many memorable camping trips through several states. I have peace in the unconditional love he had for me as well as for my brothers. As my dad told me with a telltale smile on his face, "You might be knuckleheads, but you're my knuckleheads."

Visitation for Robert will be Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until time of Service at 11:30 a.m. at Northlake Funeral Home, 140 East North Avenue in Northlake. Interment will follow at Mt. Emblem Cemetery.

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