Charles Ross Rich

Charles Ross Rich III, 66, died unexpectedly of a heart attack in Chicago on Friday, Jan 12, 2024. He is survived by his wife René (nee Weiser), mother Hasmick (nee Nazarian), sister Claire, and innumerable friends who consider him family. Following organ donation, he was cremated privately. Ross and René were long time residents of Chicago's North Side. After his father Charles' death, they joined Hasmick at the family home in Chicago's Old Town. Friends, colleagues, and neighbors appreciated their exceptional hospitality. A night with Ross inevitably left one well fed, grateful for his friendship, and sore from laughter.



From a young age, Ross intended to pursue a military career. He excelled in JROTC at Chicago's Lane Tech HS where he was the school's and the city's top cadet. In college at the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, he became the second highest cadet in his graduating class. As Brigade Executive Office, he marched in Ronald Reagan's inaugural parade and was at West Point shortly thereafter to greet the 52 hostages released from Iran. He served as an Army infantry officer for five years, becoming an Army Ranger, and commanding a 300-man company in Korea.



After leaving the Army, Ross began a long career in the software industry. At Management Science America (MSA) his interpersonal skills initiated a rewarding career as a recruiter. MSA provided more than a career for it was there that he met René, his wife of 34 years. He later worked as an account executive at Dun & Bradstreet Software, before joining Marketing Personnel Research. In 1995 he founded Selection Strategies, Inc. (SSI) and was serving as its Managing Principal at the time of his death. Over 28 years he placed more than 1200 candidates in the software industry.



Throughout his career, Ross remained dedicated to America and to the Army. He long served as the leader of Chicago's USMA alumni association. For many years Ross was also a key member - often the only Service Academy graduate - on the committee advising Illinois' 5th district Congressmen on nominations to the nation's five Service Academies.



Ross was many things over the course of his life. Depending on the years one knew him it was possible to miss the breadth of his interests and achievements: loving son & brother, loyal friend, Godfather, amateur actor and raconteur, student with intense focus (when a subject interested him), exceptional soldier, paratrooper, devoted husband, brilliant recruiter, successful entrepreneur, gourmet and wine connoisseur, amateur historian, Congressional advisor, and in the end organ donor.



Arrangements for a party in his honor will be forthcoming this spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to:

World Central Kitchen

Or

Wounded Warriors Project

"Well done, be thou at peace." From the West Point Alma Mater