Ronald Daniel Kolody

Ron was born July 14, 1947 in Oakdale, CA to George Mason and Ella Kikendall. He was raised by Benjamin and Frances Kolody. He graduated from Placer High School in 1965, where he was a Division I All Star rifle sharpshooter. Ron fondly spoke of watching the Squaw Valley Olympics in person in 1960. After High School, Ron served in the US Air Force in Thailand during the Vietnam War as a meteorologist. He remembered attending a wet and rainy Woodstock in 1969, while on military leave. Upon honorable discharge from the Air Force, he returned to Modesto, California and pursued a career in nursing. He met his wife Sharon (Wall) Kolody while working at Memorial Hospital, where they fell in love and were married in 1977. In 1979, their twin sons Joseph and Jonathan were born while the hospital staff looked on with joy. They raised their sons in Modesto, while Ron continued his 43-year career as a Registered Nurse at Memorial Medical Center, where he served as Surgical Manager, ICU Charge Nurse, and Administrative Supervisor. He was known for being calm and cool under pressure, yet caring and compassionate when staff, patients, and their families needed it most. Before leaving home for his night shifts, he would be found devotedly tutoring his sons at math throughout junior high and high school. Weekends were spent tirelessly schlepping his sons and dance partners to the Bay Area so they could partake in competitive ballroom dance training and competitions.

Ron loved to travel—especially to Hawaii, where he and Sharon would enjoy the sun, surf, shopping, and fine cuisine the islands had to offer. Ron was an avid reader. He loved to read fantasy, Stephen King novels, Clive Cussler, woodworking magazines, and cookbooks. He was a daily crossword puzzle and Sudoku addict.

Ron absolutely adored his four grandchildren Jack, Sawyer, Charlotte, and Meredith. He loved to spend time with them in both Modesto and Tucson, AZ. The lives of the people he left behind were enriched beyond measure because they either knew him, or were touched by his quiet care and devoted service. He will be remembered fondly and missed dearly.

He is survived by his wife Sharon Kolody, sons Joseph (Jenny) and Jonathan (Rebecca), and grandchildren Jack, Sawyer, Charlotte, and Meredith.

Graveside service will be held January 22nd at 1pm at Lakewood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SEVA Hospice Description (optional)August 3, 1979 and Memorial Hospital Foundation.