Ronald Colavincenzo

COLAVINCENZO, Ronald J., Sr., also known as “Calvy”, “Rocky”, “Mr. C”, and “Uncle C”, went peacefully from the loving arms of his family at home to the loving arms of our Lord on January 30, 2012. Ron was born September 13, 1938, the son of Tony and Mary DeLizar Colavincenzo and grew up in Morgantown, W.Va. He married Sue Jones in 1964 and was a wonderful father to Sarah Custack, Elizabeth Colavincenzo Swann (Patrick) and RJ Colavincenzo (Mariesa Salvatori and Maximo). He graduated from West Virginia University, taught at Cheat Lake Jr. HS and Warren G. Harding HS in Warren, Ohio, coached basketball swimming. Joined GM in 1969, serving as a personnel executive at Packard Electric in Warren, Ohio, AC Spark Plug, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and AC / Delphi, Flint, MI, retiring in 1998. Ron was vice president of Burke Consulting and president of the Board of Directors for Braidwood Manor, Taecken’s Terrace, and Ballard Village, senior housing in Davison for 30 years. Nothing was more important than his faith and he attended St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Davison. He was active in Episcopal Curillo and was rector of ECDM/EM in 2003. Ron was instrumental in the founding of Children of Hope and Destiny in Malawi, Africa. He served as co-chairman of the Cadillac Invitational Golf Tournament and worked with the Kidney Foundation for many years. He was one of the founders of the academic scholarship program for EMHA and involved in FJGA. Ron was the recipient of the first non-related kindey transplant in the Flint area in 1996, given by a friend in Christ, Mike Charlier. Ron loved to golf and built golf clubs as a hobby. Ron valued his family and friends above all else. What he did best was to be the kind of husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend he was. He was a man of integrity and you could count on his word. He was kind, romantic, and reveled in the success of others. He was an encourager and was known for his quick wit and never failing memory. Many would remember his one liners known as “Rockyisms”. He is survived by his wife and chidren and grandson; sister-in-law, Eleanor Castellucci, brother-in-law, Dr. Tom Jones and Debbie, and same as brother, David Jones and Jean, Goddaughter, Margie McNeil and God-grandsons, Matthew and Nicholas Miller, Uncle Walter Haerens, nephews and nieces, Scott, Kevin, and Chris (Kim) Castellucci, Terri (Mark) Welter, Melanie (Jade) Toteman, Tom (Stephanie) Jones, Jennifer (Bob) Bermudez, Jay (Amanda) Jones, Carrie (Drew) Beredo, and many great nieces and nephews. Ron especially loved Samuel and Hannah Kayuni from Malawi, Africa and was Grampy Ron to Caleb, Jennifer, Anne Marie, and Michelle. He is preceded in death by his parents, in laws, Tom and Burke Jones, and Lundy Castellucci. The family would like to thank so many friends who have supported us for years in this journey. Your love has been overwhelming. Much gratitude to Dr. Sean Gilin, Rose Warda, Dr. E. Singson, and Dr. Ali Mohammed for the incredible love and care you have provided. Funeral will be held at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 1523 N. Oak Rd. in Davison at 1:00 on Friday, February 3, 2012. Family will receive friends at 11:00 at the church. The Rt. Rev. Todd Ousley will officiate. Calling hours at Hill Funeral Home will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Dunstans Memorial Fund of Children of Hope and Destiny.