Obituary
Neal M. Ross was the loving husband and very best friend of Beth (Weinzimmer), and the beloved husband of the late Judith (Levin). He was the devoted son of the late Eleanore and Louis Ross, and cherished brother of Norman (Karen) Ross. Neal was the extraordinary father of Dr. Stephanie Ross and Dr. Andrew (Andrea) Ross, and the adored Papa of Julia, Leo, and Bess Auerbach, and Jordan and Marley Ross. He was also Grandpa Neal to Brandon, Morgan, Miles, Aiden, Charlie, Maya Ella, Chloe, and Madison.
Though small in stature, Neal was truly a giant of a man. He attended the University of Wisconsin and Northwestern University School of Law, and built a distinguished career handling complex real estate matters. Yet what brought him the greatest fulfillment was guiding multiple generations of families through the purchase of their first — and often their last — homes. Neal was a man of the people: humble, kind, supportive, dedicated, and always ready to help anyone in need.
An avid sports fan, Neal had a lifelong passion for his beloved White Sox, the Chicago Blackhawks and college football. His greatest joy was to attend live sporting events with his family and friends. Neal also loved music, with a special fondness for Motown and rock and roll. Neal could often be found riding his bike or jogging along the lake or "taking a steam" or sipping a scotch with his buddies at the East Bank Club.
Above all else, family was the center of Neal's life. He loved fiercely and selflessly, always placing the needs of others before his own. As a son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Neal was someone on whom you could always depend.
Neal leaves behind a remarkable legacy of integrity, compassion, moral decency, and joy. He will always be remembered for his genuine spirit, his generosity, and his unmatched ability to create fun.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Neal's memory may be made to High Jump Chicago, www.highjumpchicago.org, or The Friend Center at Weinberg Community for Senior Living, www.weinbergcommunity.net/donate (direct donation to the Friend Center).
Chapel service Thursday, May 21, 12:15 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment to follow at Shalom Memorial Park. For a link to view the service, shiva, and to leave condolences: www.shalommemorial.org, 847-255-3520.