SAMUEL JAMES RONIS age 26, beloved son of Peter and Nanette (nee Norton); loving brother of Benjamin; devoted grandson of J. Brad and the late Virginia Norton, Betty-Ann and the late Norman Ronis; cherished nephew of J. Christopher and Kathy Norton, Douglas and Vickie Norton, Iain and Brenda Ronis; dearest cousin of Emily Ronis, Nicole Roeder, and Angela Horton.
Sam was born on December 23, 1990 in San Diego, CA and passed away on December 23, 2016. He graduated from West Geauga High School in 2009. Following graduation, Sam was a victim of a violent crime in 2009 and suffered a traumatic brain injury. He has overcome many obstacles along the way. Sam attended Lakeland College for welding and worked for IMS Manufacturing as a welder, which he loved to do. He also loved to fish, skateboard, snow ski, and draw. Sam will be remembered by family and friends for having a big heart, a genuine smile and a great laugh. Sam will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Sam’s memory to Brain Trauma Foundation (www.BrainTrauma.org) 1999 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, CA 95008. ALL SERVICES PRIVATE. Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Arrangements by THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND.
Charity Name: BRAIN TRAUMA FOUNDATION INC
Charity EIN: 133764444
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Brian Yoger
Ronis Family,
I offer you my deepest and most sincere prayers of condolence. Sam passing away is truly heart breaking and devastating. I knew Sam for 15 years and I am proud to call him one of my greatest friends. He was one of the few people in my life who has never strayed from my side and whom I never had an argument with. He was a loyal friend who was always smiling and making others laugh. Sams happiness was contagious. He was always the most polite friend I had to my parents. He always listened when I needed someone to talk to. He never needed to make things about him and was always more concerned about others. I have endless memories with him from fishing, camping, skiing or just goofing around in Chesterland. I know things were tough after his incident. He was a fighter though and still always had a smile on his face and that goofy laugh of his. This past year my mother and Sam linked up and she was helping him however she could with her essential oils. He came over to see my mom dozens of times without me there. My parents really took onto Sam and really enjoyed his company. My mom said he was the only guy that came to her young living essential oil classes and that all of the older mom’s there just absolutely loved him. One of my last memories of Sam was coming over with my 6 year old nephew to fish in the neighborhood. My nephew loves fishing and Sam was excited to teach him some techniques. My nephew ended up losing his frog lure in the lake. The line broke trying to get it unsnagged. My nephew was very upset and wanted his lure back. I told my nephew that it’s just a cheap couple dollar lure and to forget about it and we’d get another one day. That just upset my nephew even more. All of a sudden Sam go down to his basketball shorts and went in the pond after it. Something I wasn’t willing to do for my own family and Sam hadnt even really know my nephew at all. I just felt like sharing that because it just shows the kinda man he was. I will always remember my good friend Sam and will miss him very much. If you guys ever need anything please let me know. Thank you for rasing an amazing son and always being there for him.
Doug Bartlett
Sam was a good colleague and a good man.Sad that his life was so altered by his injury. What a loss to the world that Sam’s talent will not be fully expressed.
We will miss him here at work — personally and professionally. Peace and comfort to Sam’s family and friends.
Pamela Mindzora
I worked with Sam at IMS and know that he was a great kid with a good heart. I am sorry for your loss.
julie holler
I just want to offer my most sincere condolences for the loss of your son, grandson, brother & friend. Sam was just a breath of fresh air for me! He was the kindest most considerate kid I have met in along time & I am truly happy to have known him & worked with him over these past few years here at IMS. He knew something about everything! He educated me on many things that I was unaware of & I just so enjoyed chatting with him on breaks. We shared a love of dogs & had many conversations about them! He will be truly missed by all of us here & there are just not enough tears to express our profound sadness at this time. RIP “little Sam” — we love you & we will miss you– forever in our hearts……
Linda J Campagna ( Rittenhouse)
So sorry to hear this tragedy. Although I never got a chance to meet Sam, he was a beloved member of our family. Love you guys and pray for peace for you all.
Paul Wright
My deepest condolences to the family. Sam worked for me at IMS and he was an asset to the company. Not only with his welding skills but he was a great person to be around. He will be sorely missed.
This world was a better place because he was in it.
Donna Beery
I worked at IMS with Sammy. He was a very respectful, happy man. Always smiling. He will be missed and never forgotten.
So sorry for your loss
Frank Zevnik
I was very sad to hear about Sam’s passing , I worked with him at IMS , he was a very nice person . He always had a smile . May he rest in peace .
Alissa paynick
I grew up with Sam. He was one of the few people in Chesterland who I felt connected to and felt unjudged by. we bonded over music, art, skateboarding and making people laugh. I have so many amazing memories of him that I will forever cherish. He was so smart, kind, funny and had a heart of gold. I am so sorry for his family’s loss and I am so grateful to have known him. What an amazing person to have called my friend. Thank you to Sam’s family for raising such a good person. I’m so sorry.
Kathy (Blackley) Koehler
Dear Nanette and Peter, I am so very saddened to hear of tbe loss of Sam. I remember when he and Matt were friends way back when they were very young boys. Sam was always such a kind and sweet young man. Loved his smile. I am so sorry for your loss and wish there were words that could somehow take away your pain and heartache. Losing a child is a devastating thing to go through and I just can’t imagine how you must be feeling right now. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers as you grieve .
Chris Graham
I am very sorry for your loss and will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Renee Blau
Dear Nanette and Peter,
We were so sad to hear of Sam’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that we will continue to pray for your entire family.
Love,
Renee & Steve Blau
Lorri Ronis
Peter, Nanette and Ben, words fail in these situations but I wanted to extend my condolences to the entire family. Sam’s was a life ended too soon and I hope that in this very difficult time, you are comforted by your memories of your time together and know that he will always be alive in your hearts. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lorri
Rhonda Kautz
Dear Nanette and Pete,
My heart is broken for you both in hearing the devasting news of Sam’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Ben, and your family.
Sue Lach
Dear Pete, Nanette, and Sam,
Words can’t begin to help ease your devastating pain during this time but I wanted you to know that you are loved and my heart aches for your whole family. I will be saying prayers for the repose of Sam’s beautiful and caring soul and for you and the whole family. What kind and loving parents you were to him and from the condolences left by others, you raised Sam to be just like you. In a world that can be so bitter and cruel, I thank you. May God wrap his healing and loving arms around you during this time of great pain and despair…
Love,
Sue Lach
Tara Durn
I never stopped thinking about Sam.. He was my first love in 8th grade and I absolutely adored him. We shared some really good memories with some of the coolest people I had around during my childhood. I am so truly blessed I got to spend the time I had with Sam. It’s very sad that he left us so young and early from this earth. Nanette and Peter, you have my utmost condolences. He truly was a special, compassionate man. I’m so deeply sorry for the family and friends that are hurting at this time, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. He really did touch all our lives in such a profound way.. he was one of a kind, and the love I had for him I will never let go.
Love forever,
Tara
Keli Zehnder
Pete and family-
I am so very very sorry. Words cannot express the loss you are feeling. Know that you are surrounded by love. Sam was lucky to have you all and you were lucky to have him. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Keli