Ronald Gerald Schenk

With his signature cap and shorts, which he wore year-round, he was recognized around town for his large physique, matched only by his even larger heart. As a community volunteer, he took on a variety of roles, including the Good Old Days, Fourth of July and other City celebrations (including playing Santa at the holiday events), a Point Pinos Lighthouse docent, Bay Net ambassador and interpreter, Pacific Grove Triathlon volunteer, and Salvation Army bellringer, among many others.

A longtime and devoted parishioner at St. Angela Merici Church, Ron served on the parish Finance Committee and was an enthusiastic greeter, welcoming hundreds of churchgoers to the weekly 5:00 Saturday evening Mass for many years. Perhaps his proudest achievement was launching and serving as manager of the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop on Forest Avenue in 1997, which continues to serve the vital needs of the extended community.

Ron was elected to a four-year term on the Pacific Grove City Council from 2002-2006 and served as the City’s representative to the Fort Ord Reuse Authority Board, Transportation Agency of Monterey County Board and Monterey-Salinas Transit Board. He also served on the Pacific Grove Economic Advisory Committee and Downtown Business Improvement District. In recognition of these and other significant civic and volunteer contributions, he received the annual James R. Hughes Citizen of the Year Award presented by the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce in 2010.

Ron and his wife Carolyn moved to Pacific Grove in 1995 after he retired from a 36-year career with John Hancock Financial Services. Born in 1937 in the Philadelphia area, he graduated from St. Joseph’s University with a degree in industrial management and marketing and later became a Certified Life Underwriter (CLU). He was formerly married to Gladys Maguire, with whom he had four children.

In addition to wife, Carolyn, he is survived by son, Gregory Schenk; daughters, Kristina Schenk and Karalyn Monteil (Phillipe); two stepdaughters, Darlene Capovilla (Leo) and Beth Ann Lynch; and three grandchildren, Jonathan Schenk and Maia and Mia Monteil. He is predeceased by his children, Jeffrey G. Schenk, who passed away as a teenager and Mary Gladys Schenk; his parents, Charles and Rita Schenk; and two brothers, Charles and Paul Schenk. He will be sadly missed by the multitude of people he touched (whether he knew it or not) by his many acts of kindness throughout his long life of service to others.

Carolyn and family are especially grateful to Dr. David Wright, the Pacific Grove 911 emergency personnel, and caring home nursing staff for all their help and support.

Visitation will be at The Paul Mortuary Chapel from 4 to 7 p.m. on October 2, with recitation of the Rosary at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. October 3 at St. Angela Merici, followed by burial at San Carlos Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.