Ron Laccabue

James R. Laccabue, Jr., 89, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2022, surrounded by his family at his home in Tarzana, California. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 24, 1932, and became known to his family and friends as “Ronnie” or simply “Ron”. Upon graduation from high school in 1949, Ron attended the University of Illinois in Champaign where he received his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. However, in his junior year of College he was touched by his faith in Catholicism and entered the Seminary. Although Ron didn’t end up pursuing the Catholic priesthood, he was a man of deep faith .

In 1955, Ron moved to San Diego, California with his parents. A few years later Ron moved to Santa Monica, to pursue his career in the aerospace industry. His Engineering talents led him to his specialty which was in Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics. He was employed by many large-scale firms such as Litton, Hughes, and Northrop. He spent over 4 decades in this industry and ultimately retired from this line of work.

For his social activities , Ron joined the LA Catholic Alumni Club where he met the lovely, Mary Ann Papalia. They wed on August 6, 1960, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in North Hollywood. Ron and Mary Ann settled in Encino, California before moving to their present home in Tarzana in 1961.

Family was important to Ron. He enjoyed sharing his faith with his four children. Ron also had a love for tennis, having learned to play in his youth in Chicago. He enjoyed introducing his wife and children to the game. In addition , Ron and his wife enjoyed watching football. Ron became a tried-and-true lifelong Ram’s fan. He would be thrilled with this year’s results.

Ron had a passion for music, including both singing and playing the guitar. He participated in several choirs and music groups at various Catholic churches in the San Fernando Valley. A highlight for Ron was traveling to Italy in 1988 , to sing at the Vatican with the St. Charles Borromeo choir for the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul, with Pope John Paul, II, presiding.

Ron will be deeply missed for his wisdom, compassion, and love of life and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Ann Laccabue; his brother Fred C. Laccabue; and his youngest daughter, Andrea Laccabue.

Ron is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann of more than 61 years; three children: Jim (Cristin), Rosemary (Mitch), and Marguerite; six grandchildren: Daniel, Nicholas, and Julia Haber; Michela, Megan, and Hayden Laccabue; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held on February 24, 2022, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5011White Oak Ave., Encino 91316 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at San Fernando Mission Cemetery, 11160 Stranwood Ave., Mission Hills, 91345.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Marfan Foundation as a memorial to Ron whose daughter, Andrea had Marfan Syndrome. The Marfan Foundation: 22 Manhasset Ave., Port Washington, NY, 11050; 800-8-MARFAN; https://marfan.org/