Obituary: William P. Ross

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​

William “Bill” P. Ross

William Ross, age 72, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026, in Joliet, IL. Bill was born July 27, 1953 in Joliet, IL to the late Paul H. and Dolores M. (nee Sadler) Ross.

Bill was a graduate of Joliet East High School, class of 1971. He participated in wrestling, football, baseball, and played the clarinet in the High School Marching Band.

Bill was a longtime employee of the City of Joliet Street Department from 1971 to 2009. He worked as a foreman and secretary for Local Union 440, and was also on the board as secretary at the Joliet Municipal Employees Credit Union. Bill was a proud member and supporter of the Old Timers Baseball Association for many years.

In Bill’s younger years, he was found tinkering in his back yard working on old cars with his neighborhood friends, Larry and Ray. He played Ingalls Park AC Nesbitt Orange Rivals Little League and Colt League for Don Reed. Bowling was another sport he enjoyed and played on a mixed league Sunday nights at the Joliet Rivals Club. Bill’s friends and his dad enjoyed watching him play all the sports he loved.

His love of baseball continued and he played for Art’s Upholstery with his friend, Ray Nickel. Bill always enjoyed working in his garden and feeding his ducks. He was a diehard Chicago White Sox fan and he played on a pool league for several years. Bill enjoyed weekends cruising the Kankakee River on his old cruiser or wave runner with family and friends. He collected bottles of all sorts, loved riding his bike 20 miles a day, and enjoyed checking out antique cars at local car shows and cruise nights. Bill also had a midget car and loved racing it at Joliet Memorial Stadium. Frequent trips to Hawaii to visit his Hawaii Ohana were always a highlight during a cold winter. His love of music always peaked when hearing Beatles songs.

Bill is survived by his loving sisters, Donna (David) Togliatti of Coal City, IL, Paula (Milton) Kurashige of Honolulu, HI; Aunt Patsy (Mick) Buscher of Vandalia, IL. Fond uncle and great uncle to many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends including, Ede (the late Bob) Miller, Larry Hanson, and Ray Nickel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Craig Holmes; great-nephew, Kameron Steinhoff; good friends, Rick Clementi and Mike Ceja.

Bill’s unique sense of humor, kindness, strength and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A special thank you to everyone at Eden Vista Rock Run Memory Care, and Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care for all their love and care provided to Bill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made the Old Timers Baseball Association, 216 Willow Ave., Joliet, IL 60436, or the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Bill will be laid to rest with his father, Paul H. Ross and grandfather, Dr. William G. Ross, MD at Elmhurst Cemetery, 1212 E Washington St., Joliet, IL. Graveside services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, Joliet, IL. For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or leave an online condolence, visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.

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