Longtime Lombard trustee Richard Tross dies

A longtime Lombard trustee known for his dedication to the community died Monday, village officials said.

Richard "Dick" Tross, 63, died in his Lombard home, officials said. The cause of death was not immediately known.

Tross served District 2 in Lombard for more than 20 years, officials said, and was currently serving his sixth term, which would have been up in April 2011. Although Tross most recently served as president of the Board of Local Improvements and Chairman of the Transportation & Safety Committee, Tross served on nearly every committee during his tenure.

"This is a tragic loss for his family, friends and the village," Lombard Village President William Mueller said in a news release. "He has served the village in many fashions over the past 40 years with the most recent 20 as village trustee. Eileen and I extend our sincere sympathy to his family and friends," Mueller stated. "His knowledge of the community will be missed."

Village officials say Tross will be most remembered for his support of the Taste of Lombard, which included calling bingo and speaking with people he called his "constituents" during the event. Tross was a ecumenical minister and a Lombard Jaycee, officials said.

"Lombard is sad to be losing one of its longest-serving public servants," Village Manager David Hulseberg said. "Trustee Tross dedicated his adult life to serving the people of Lombard, and he will be missed."

Tross was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy, and his son, Christopher. He is survived by his daughter, Lori, and four grandchildren.