Obituary of Ronald Larry Gonia

Ronald Larry “Ron” Gonia was born February 21, 1948 in Monroe, Michigan. He was one of three children born to the union of Leo Marion Gonia Sr. and Margaret (Bomia) Gonia.  Ron attended Jefferson High School in Newport, Michigan graduating with the class of 1966. Upon graduation Ron would further his studies by attending Monroe Community College receiving his Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in Electronic Technology. Ron worked for several years at McLouth Steel before taking employment as a Nuclear Engineer for DTE where he worked for twenty five years before retiring on June 1, 2005.

On July 14, 1979 at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Monroe, Michigan Ron married the love of his life; the former Mary Worrell .  Together the couple raised Mary’s two children Laurie and Kevin. When Ron was employed with McLouth Steel he enjoyed being an active participant on the companies golf, softball and bowling leagues. Ron and Mary enjoyed watching the movie “Somewhere in Time” on multiple occasions. He was an amateur Ham radio operator and loved communicating with people all across the United States. Ron had a love of flying and was fortune enough to obtain his small engine airplane pilot’s license.  He loved to fish and whether he was casting a line in Lake Erie or Indian River he was always anxious to reel in a nice Bass. He was an avid Ohio State University fan and an avid Detroit Red Wings fan that earned him the nickname “Papa Red Wing” from his grandchildren. Throughout Ron’s entire life he has always had a love for any genre of music but his favorites were Neil Diamond and Pavarotti. Being a music lover he taught himself how to play the trombone in high school then taught his sister Denise how to play it as well. Above all Ron’s family was what he cherished in life the most.

Ronald Larry “Ron” Gonia, age 76 of Newport, Michigan passed away on Saturday June 22, 2024 at the Seacrest Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Monroe, Michigan with his family near his side. His passing was preceded by his parents; Leo and Margaret Gonia Jr.; his loving wife; Mary Gonia; his brother; Leo Gonia in 2022 and his stepchildren; Laurie Rumbaugh and Kevin Waldvogel.

To cherish Ron’s memory he leaves behind his sister; Denise (Alvin) Palmer of Newport, Michigan; five step-grandchildren; Brock (Kennedy Shasteen) Rumbaugh, Braelyn (Eric) Kimball, Darby Rumbaugh, Keegan Waldvogel and Trevor Waldvogel.  Ron was excited that his first great grandchild was arriving soon. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Sunday June 30, 2024 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe Street, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162. (734)384-5185. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm Sunday. Ron will lie in state at 10:00am on Monday July 1, 2024 at St. Anne’s Parish,  2420 N. Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48162. The Mass of Resurrection will be held at 11:00am also at St. Anne’s with Father Henry Rebello, as celebrant. Cremation will follow through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises. Inurnment of Ronald’s cremated remains will take place at  St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe, Michigan at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial contributions be made to the American Kidney Foundation in Ron’s memory. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com