Ronald Michael Tesone

Ronald Tesone was born on March 23, 1943, in Gulfport Mississippi. He was the son of Peter and Reta Tesone. After the end of World War II, the family moved to Planada California to be close to Reta’s Parents, Milton and Elma Reiman.

Growing up in the country, Ron fell in love with the outdoors. He would hunt the local creeks for wild pheasant and fish in the local lakes for hours, a passion that would keep him close to his friends for the rest of his life. On Sunday Mornings at Aunt Gigi’s house, Ron was welcomed as the “Sunshine Boy” to a stack of hot flapjacks. Ron attended Planada Elementary and Le Grand High School, where he excelled in academics and had a natural ability for sports.

High School in the 1950’s was fun filled and carefree. Dances were held regularly after the games. Ron enjoyed the music and fell in love with his beloved Margaret Hunt. Ron graduated High School in 1960 and attended Fresno State University. Margaret shortly followed and the two were married on August 25, 1962.

After graduating from Fresno State, Ron returned to Planada and began teaching. First at Le Grand Elementary and finally at Planada Elementary where he stayed for his entire career. He was part of a dream team of teachers that had a massive impact on the local community and his students would remember him for decades after they graduated.

Ron and Margret had two children, Rodney and Stephanie. Ron provided a wonderful childhood experience for his children. Ron took the family on vacation wherever Margaret’s itinerary led them- Lake Tahoe, Central America, the Caribbean, and the list goes on. Hawaii would become their destination of choice, where the locals knew them as Mr. and Mrs. Tesone.

During summer vacations Ron farmed and worked with his son-in-law doing what he does best, problem solving. Ron could be found selling onions on the sales desk or irrigating his almond orchard during the hot summer nights. Ron found fun in working alongside his family. In 1996 he became a founding member of Minturn Nut Company. Working at Minturn Nut gave him another opportunity to become a mentor and lifelong friend.

Ron enjoyed working hard but he also had a lot of fun along the way. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, and skiing with Margaret as well as spending time with family. His grandkids were a huge part of his life where he would often pick them up from school, attend sports games, and go on family vacations.

Heartachingly Ron was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2005. The family never ceased to be there by his side as the disease progressed. Rodney and Lewie moved in with Ron to make at home care possible. He was blessed with amazing caregivers who attended to his daily needs, and they became close friends. The family can’t express in words all the loving care that Corinna, Leng, Lynnea, Covenant Care Hospice, Amie Marchini’s Home Care, and others gave him along the way.

Ron will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was an All-American man who put his wife and family first. He will be remembered for his kindness, his generosity, his optimism, and his love of life. Ron is preceded in death by his wife (Margaret), mother (Reta), father (Pete) and he is survived by his brother James (Katie), sister Karen (Bob), son Rodney (Lewie), daughter Stephanie (Jeff), and grandchildren Marc (Aide), Nicholas (Tracie), Francesca (Nick), Marissa and eleven great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, April 10, 2023 at Plainsburg Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Planada Middle School Student Enrichment Program/Athletic Program in memory of Ronald Tesone. Checks may be payable to Planada Elementary School District P.O. Box 236 Planada, CA 95365. Tax ID:77-0572126.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Tesone family.