RONALD K. “CAPTAIN RON” SMITH age 69, beloved husband for 38 years of Maryann (nee Grbovac); loving father of Michael (wife Julianne); devoted grandfather of Audra, Jamison and Landry; cherished son of the late Fred and Annelle (nee McCulloch); dearest brother of Mitzi Walker; dearest brother-in-law of Eleanor Spencer; dear uncle of Marty Adams and Jennifer Montoya. Survived by his K-9 companions Skipper and Gunner. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Ron to Northeast Ohio SPCA 9555 Brookpark Rd., Parma, OH 44129 (northeastohiospca.org). U.S. Army Veteran.
Ron was born on October 22, 1950 in Alabama and passed away on January 17, 2020. He was a resident of Mayfield Village since 2011, formerly residing in Richmond Heights and Alabama. Ron graduated from High School in Alabama, attended Calhoun Community College and graduated from Athens State University. He was the owner/operator and manufacturing representative in Ohio and Western PA and was a DJ in college. He was a member of Lakeside Yacht Club. “Captain Ron” enjoyed boating on his ’39 Sea Ray he called the Tidal Wave. He had his pilot license and would fly to Aruba, Hiltonhead and Alabama. He loved when his sister came to Cleveland and sang at Johnny’s downtown. Ron will be remembered as an outgoing, social, and gentle man who had a sense of humor and liked to make people laugh. He was a devoted father and grandfather and loved his dogs Freeway, Magic, Skipper and Gunner. Skipper was our boat dog. He would drive to Alabama a couple times a month to see his son Michael. Ron will be dearly missed.
Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Celebration of Life Service Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 2:30 PM at the Funeral Home with Military Honors to follow. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Ron at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2020 from 1 – 2:30 PM.
Charity Name: NORTHEAST OHIO SPCA INC
Charity EIN: 043767472
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Ellen Flick
Dear Maryann, my heart is broken for you. I don’t have good words but please accept my very warmest condolences. Ron was a very special man and his memory will live with me and others forever.
Steve Timura
Maryann, I am so sorry for your loss. Ron was a fantastic person mentor, and friend. I learned so much from him over the years, both professionally and personally. I always enjoyed his perspective, demeanor, and sense of humor. I will miss him so very much. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers!
Buck,Suzanne luetkemeyer
We were friends with Maryann and Ron for 33 years. Meeting in Richmond hts. As neighbors. So many wonderful times, laughs and loved all his jokes. Boating at lyc.was so special. He was a wonderful friend and will be missed for ever. Prayers for Mary Ann and family. Love, Buck and Suzanne Luetkemeyer
Mark Edelman
Maryann I saddened by your loss. Ran into Ron in Highland Hts. a few months ago and talked. My sincerest condolences to you.
Amy Kramer
Dear Maryann,
I just received an email from Kay and I am very saddened to hear of Ron’s passing.Ron and you were so kind and welcoming to me when I moved here twenty four years ago.Knowing Ron was right across the street and could help me with stuff in my House was so comforting.please accept my sincere condolences and extend them to Michael and his family.May he Rest In Peace and watch over you.
Amy Kramer
Doug Fagan
We met at Johnny’s Downtown many years ago. Ron was one of the most generous, kind, present human beings I have ever met. He always had an ear for you, wanted the best for you and believed in you. One would have a hard time finding a friend of the quality. Ron you will surely be missed.my friend, thank you for great memories….RIP
Robert Hill
Ron was the Ohio-based Sales Representative for my company for over 25 years. When we traveled together he was always well received by the customers, and was as knowledgeable about their needs as he was about our products. After I sold Hill Fastener Corp. 9 years ago we stayed in touch, and I considered both Ron and Maryann to be my friends, able to visit with them not often enough when my travels brought me to Cleveland.
Mike Henry
Maryanne, I am so sorry to hear about Ron. I just want to tell you how much Ron left an impression on me. When he and I would travel together, he would always meet me with that infectious smile and we would always have a good laugh throughout the day. You just couldn’t help but enjoy yourself around him.
I will miss those phone calls from him on my Birthday which was a day after his. The call became almost a joke to both of us but we also realized that it was important to keep in touch.
Keep all those great memories deep in your mind and heart. In time you will smile again knowing you spent many great years with your soulmate who absolutely adored you.
May God comfort you in this trying time.
rita pavilonis
Maryann, we are so shocked and so sad. We are so sorry we didn’t connect all last year when we tried. It was always something, always someone sick, something else was up, etc., We always said we’d get together later…
You two have been so special to us for so many years. Oh My God.. so sorry.. Rita and Paul
Nataline Phillips
Dearest Maryann.
What wonderful friends you and Ron have been.
Such loving people.
With deepest sympathy.
Nataline Phillips
Joanne Hamilton
Dear Maryann,
I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. I am grateful to have known Ron and to have shared some really fun times. He was a very kind man.
Wishing you strength during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Joanne Hamilton
Dale Myers
Dear Maryann, I am so sorry to hear about Ron’s death. I have always considered you both good friends and a great agency. Margaret and I facilitate a “Grief Share” group here in town; you need to find one near you. Look online for a group you can attend. It will help you.
April Rodon
Dear Maryann,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and Michael and his family. You and Ron were great neighbors to me and I had some of my very best years there. He was a very special man who befriended many and always left you feeling better about yourself and in a positive mindset. You have so many wonderful memories of your years together to help you through this difficult time.
MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL.
With my sincere sympathy, April Rodon
Mike Petrone
Dear Maryann,
Sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Please know how much I have loved you both and that I am keeping you in my prayers through this difficult time.
Patricia & Roy Tipton
Dear Mariann & Family
Our sincere condolences extended for your loss.
Pat