Ron made his grand entrance into the world on July 4, 1940 in Jacksonville, IL.  His proud parents, Paul and Pauline, raised him on their farm until he was 6 years old. At that time, his parents decided to get out of the difficult life of farming and move to the city (Peoria IL).

Ron enjoyed camping, hiking, classic cars, and playing baseball with his friends.  His favorite team was the St. Louis Cardinals.  Ron attended Peoria Central High School where he was on the track team.  He graduated high school with top honors in 1958.

Ron went on to study accounting at Bradley University in Peoria, IL where he met JoAnn Montefusco.  They married in 1961 and Ron graduated with top honors in 1962.   A hallmark of Ron and JoAnn's marriage was a sense of humor and a little bit of pranking, which was something the rest of the family could enjoy and that was the glue for their marriage.

Ron spent most of his long career with Caterpillar Tractor Company and Solar Turbines as an accountant and forecaster – approximately 55 years.

Ron and JoAnn were soon blessed with 2 children, Diana and Paul who played an important role in his life.  He cared for his children with love and humor.  He was further blessed with 2 grandchildren, Catherine and Joseph.  He was pleased and proud to be part of their lives, helping them with homework and attending their various activities as he had done with Diana and Paul.

Ron was always present to assist both JoAnn and the kids in their endeavors.  He would run errands, supply food, or just give advice and encouragement. He and JoAnn volunteered for Youth Group and developed lasting friendships there as well.  He was affectionately known as "St. Ron".

Ron didn't save his love just for his human family.  Dogs created an extended family for him to care for and to love.  Animals immediately sensed his kindness and gentleness.

Ron was gifted with a great sense of humor, a mischievous smile, and twinkling eyes.  He was an honest, kind, and gentle person who represented Christian values.

Ron and JoAnn had a true love of nature and they loved working in their yard.  Although he chose accounting for his career, there was both a home and landscape architect within him.  Ron often designed upgrades to the family homes and designed the landscapes as well.  With JoAnn's assistance, he built retaining walls, poured concrete paths, installed irrigation, and planted each and every tree in the yard.  At one home, with his father's help, he built retaining walls out of railroad ties.

Ron had a keen interest in the Old West and Native American history.  His and JoAnn's interest in Native American Culture led them to visit The Mesas in Arizona several times.  They toured areas with Native guides and studied the jewelry making and other Native crafts including flutes and drums.  Ron purchased flutes and drums that he and JoAnn played at drum circles.  They would further enjoy the culture at Pow Wows.

Ron enjoyed hiking which became a mainstay of any trip the family took.  JoAnn was fascinated with rocks, and although Ron would laugh a little at her need to collect rocks, he soon participated in the fun.

Ron brought joy into the lives of his family, friends, and people he met while out and about.  The instances are too numerous to mention.  Ron and JoAnn loved music and made it a point to see live music. While attending several Traditional Jazz Festivals, Ron and JoAnn would dance for hours which they and other guests enjoyed greatly.

He passed away peacefully surrounded by family September 23, 2022.

Ron is survived by his wife, JoAnn, his children Diana and Paul, and his grandchildren, Catherine and Joseph.

And so, we celebrate a life that has touched so many people in so many positive ways and we hope to carry some of who he was with us so we may radiate that same kindness, gentleness, love, and joy to those around us.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests masses said for Ron

Or

Donations to St. Joseph's Indian School.

https://give.stjo.org/