Memorial plans underway for longtime Lombard trustee

Trustee Richard "Dick" Tross was one of Taste of Lombard's biggest supporters.

And as news of his death spread Tuesday, the Lombard Jaycees were planning an emergency meeting to figure out how to honor him at this year's Taste.

"He was so instrumental with so many facets of it, especially the bingo," said Tim Piper, co-chairman of Taste of Lombard 2010.

Tross, 63, died Monday at his Lombard home. The longtime trustee had been serving his sixth term.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard, until family members arrive from out of state. The cause of death has not been announced.

Family and friends established a memorial fund Tuesday to aid the Tross family. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted at the funeral home and two other locations - West Suburban Bank, 1122 S. Main St., and Lombard Village Hall, 255 E. Wilson. Donations should be made payable to Lori Tross.

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

Friends and colleagues, including Tross' fellow Jaycees, were struggling Tuesday with the "sad and shocking" news.

"Dick and I have known each other for 30 years," Piper said. "I'm at a loss for words."