Copyright Chicago Tribune
Oswego Village Board members recently approved an honorary street name designation for the late Ralph Ross, a World War II veteran, Oswego educator, Oswego trustee and community volunteer. The Oswego Historic Preservation Commission received an application for the street name designation from Jeffrey Ross, the son of Ralph Ross. Ralph Ross was born in Chicago and moved to Oswego after his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, according to village officials. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Aurora College through the G.I. Bill. He went on to teach junior high in Montgomery and Aurora from 1952 to 1961 and then became principal of Oswego Junior High, officials said. In 1970, Ross left the junior high and became principal of East View Elementary in Oswego. Throughout his teaching career, Ross pursued higher education, according to officials. After his retirement from education in 1981, he remained a lifetime member of the Parent Teacher Association. His community volunteerism included serving on various boards, including as an Oswego Village Board member as well as serving on school and park boards, village officials said. “As village trustee, Ralph took particular pride in helping police officers earn degrees and acquire law enforcement equipment. As a board member of the Kendall County Juvenile Offenders Program and the regional director for the Illinois Law Enforcement Commission, Ross redirected the paths of young people in need of a role model,” village officials said. “He inspired many young men and women to join law enforcement, including his son,” village officials said. The family recommended placing the honorary street sign at the southeast corner of Polk Street and Ashland Street in Oswego. The Ross family lived on Polk Street for many years, village officials said. Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
