Ralston Reid

Ralston Reid was born June 26, 1933 in Saint James Parrish, Jamaica to Ivolyn Haughton and John Amos Reid. He is survived by his siblings Horace, Roland, and Patricia.

Ralston received his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University. He then went on to earn his Master’s Degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology and further pursued a PhD before deciding to devote his energy to his wife and their 6 children. Even after his academic career, Ralston continued to be a mentor for several undergrad and high school students, encouraging them to further pursue their education.

Ralston worked as the Director of Laboratory Services at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital where he was known as the “Mayor of the Hospital.” Outside of work, Ralson was the president of the Washington Heights Community Association where he fought for equal education across Chicago neighborhoods.

Outside of work, Ralston was always eager to learn and build on new skills. He was an avid tennis and golf player and even took up painting after retirement. Ralston spent his free time reading, listening to classical music, and spending time with his family. Most importantly, Ralston was known for making the best Jamaican food recipes and rum punch (that he refused to share with anyone else).

Ralston was preceded in death by his wife Shirey Reid, and their sons Rodrick and Rodney Paul Reid. He is survived by his children; Terri Folan, Gail Scott, Rhonda Reid, and Ralston Reid Jr, as well as his grandchildren, Taylor Tindal-Wade, Rachel Padilla, Nya Tindal, BJ Tindal, and Rebecca Folan and great- grandchildren Leah, Kai, and Micah Padilla.

Visitation at 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 27 at Leonard Memorial Home, 565 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL. Funeral Service begins at 10 a.m (livestreamed via this link Ralston Reid Service  . After the service, interment at Assumption Cemetery, 1S510 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL. For more information please call (630) 469-0032.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated in Ralston's name at the AAUW, by mail at 1310 L St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 or online at www.aauw.org

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