Ronald F. Criss

Born April 8, 1931, he lived a long and fulfilling life. He attended East High School where, as a towering teen, he excelled at basketball, but also nurtured his artistic side, playing clarinet and honing his pencil drawing skills. After graduating, he joined the United States Marine Corps and bravely served his country during the Korean War.

He dedicated his career to Goodyear where he specialized in rubber working. He married Carol Ann Criss in 1954 and lovingly raised a family of six children. They created many beautiful memories together, including annual summer trips to Virginia Beach.

He retired in 1993 and, after losing his first wife, eventually married JoAnn Criss and moved to Canal Fulton. Each year they brought both their families together for bustling holiday celebrations they cheerfully hosted.

A skilled hunter and outdoorsman, Ron served as chair of the Goodyear Hunting and Fishing Club. He was always on the move, spending his free time hunting, fishing and golfing.

Ron taught those around him to love nature, to admire wildlife, to enjoy simple pleasures, to treat everyone with overwhelming kindness, to greet even strangers with a beaming smile, to selflessly help others, to find humor in every situation, to cherish time with family, and to live life to the fullest.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carol Ann (McShane) Criss; father Lorne Criss and mother Alice Criss; brothers Robert and Leonard, and sisters Dorothea and Jeanann.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Criss; children, Ronald (Sayuri), Cynthia, Richard, Robert (Stephanie), Susan and Rodney (Cynthia); JoAnn’s children, Denise (Randy), Laura (Robert), Brenda (Cecil) and Linda (Joe); 24 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Calling hours will be on Thursday May 22, from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 3653 W Market St., Akron, OH, 44333. On Friday, May 23, an additional hour of calling will take place at Saints Philip & James Church, 412 High St., Canal Fulton, OH 44614 from 10:00AM until 11:00AM followed by Catholic Mass. Resting place will be Holy Cross Cemetery.