Ronald D. Picur

Ronald D. Picur, age 78 passed away on Friday November 1, 2024. He is the son of Stanley & Stella (Stefanski) Picur, brother to Richard Picur (who preceded him in their passing), and brother-in-law to Joyce Picur. He is the beloved husband of Rebecca for 55 years; loving father of Sean, Kim and Mike and a loving family member and friend to many.

Born and raised in Chicago, Ron was a hard worker from the age of 6, helping his father and grandfather with maintenance in the apartment building they owned and lived in. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1973 with a PH.D, MS & BSBA in Accounting & Information Systems.

Ron started a family in Winnetka before moving back to Chicago in the 80's. He spent his mornings running, then walking the Lake Shore path regardless of the frigid temperatures. Many summers were spent at Burnham Harbor lounging on the boat with family, and taking boat trips to Michigan. He enjoyed woodworking, playing games with family, and watching Da Bears, political commentary, and the news. Having an avid interest in luxury cars, he often watched car racing events on tv including F1 races and enjoyed competing in car shows accompanied by his brother Rich.

Dr. Picur maintained a strong work ethic which yielded a distinguished career. In 1978 he began his career as a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, enjoying teaching in the academic realm. In 1985 he was appointed as City of Chicago CFO/Comptroller under mayor Harold Washington, eager to work to improve government finance. He continued his career as a professor at UIC where he was appointed the Head of the Department of Accounting and was an important member of the government accounting research program. Over the course of this time, he was also a partner at FPT&W Ltd, a consulting/accounting firm specializing in municipal finance. He was a nationally recognized public finance expert and enjoyed working on improving public policy while serving on the editorial board of Research in Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting and as the Director of the Center for Government Accounting Research and Education. Dr. Picur retired as Professor Emeritus of Accounting after 28 years of faculty service at UIC, however continued to serve as both a Fiscal Policy Advisor to the Illinois Governor's Office, and advisor to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Budget Committee for several more years, where he taught courses throughout the US.

In 2015 Ron retired with his family to sunny Ft Lauderdale, making both a new home and friends there. He brought the boat along and enjoyed taking sight-seeing trips down the canal. He gave his time and talents to serve at his church, condominium board and family, always keeping busy. He provided for his family, always wanting, and seeking the best for them, and encouraged them along the way. He was the rock of our family.

Ron, dad, you are deeply missed, greatly loved, and will never be forgotten. We love you.