Ronald L. Ballarini

On Tuesday, November 5, 2019, Ronald Louis Ballarini, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at age 77 surrounded by family at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home in La Salle, Illinois.

Ron was born on September 2, 1942 in Chicago, to John and Annette Enrici Ballarini. He attended Morton junior college before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1961 during the Vietnam War, and was Airman First Class. On September 14, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Kricek.  Shortly afterwards he was stationed in Izmir, Turkey for 18 months and was honorably discharged in May 1965.

In 1966, Ron joined the Oak Park Police Department. During his 24 years on the force he served as an officer, detective, and sergeant, was a member of the F.O.P. and received many awards and commendations. After retiring, Ron and Mary lived in Clearwater, Florida, where he started his own painting business. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, and his dedication to a Christian life continued as he and Mary always helped neighbors and friends in need, driving them to doctor appointments, bringing them meals, and helping clean and maintain their homes.

Ron enjoyed the company of family and friends, and was a devoted husband and father.  Despite working “crazy hours’ of shift work, he was always around, attending his children’s school activities and athletic events, coaching, and even chaperoning school field trips.  He enjoyed family summer vacations and spending time with his grandsons. He liked watching sports, fishing, bowling, playing cards, and loved a good joke. He was a handyman and often helped friends and relatives with painting, plumbing, and remodeling projects.  

Preceded in death by his father, John, and his mother, Annette, Ron is survived by his wife, Mary, his two children, Lisa (Jim) Festle and David (Megan), his three grandsons, John, Matthew, and Leo, his brother Donald, his sister-in-law Patricia (George) Metsch, his brother-in-law Henry Kricek, and many cousins, including Tom (Vicki) Enrici. He was also a fond uncle to several nieces, nephews, their spouses and children.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, December 23, 2019, at 10:00 AM in Christ the King Church in Lombard, and will be presided by Reverend Henry Kricek. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), the LaSalle Veterans’ Home (815-410-8375), and Compassus Hospice Care (compassuslivingfoundation.org).

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