Ronald H. Polancich

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Nancy; his sons Benjamin (Todd Ronna) and Jacob (Laura) Polancich; his brothers Robert (Barbara) and Jeff (Lisa) Polancich; his father-in-law Robert Cole, his brother-in-law Gary (Michelle) Cole and two granddaughters, Claire and Molly Polancich. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Barbara Polancich and his mother-in-law Peggy Cole.

Ron graduated from Augustana College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education in 1975 and received a Master of Music in Conducting from Northwestern University in 1980. His teaching career spanned over forty years, and began at Laraway School in Joliet. He served as Director of Bands at Highland Park High School from 1981-1988 and Director of Bands at York High School, Elmhurst, where he also served as Music Department Chair until his retirement in 2008. Ron continued his involvement in music education, teaching at both Roosevelt University and DePaul University and serving as clinician and adjudicator throughout the Midwest. Thousands of students benefited from his dedication to the craft of teaching.

Ron and his wife Nancy were blessed with a marriage that sustained them both. He was incredibly proud of his sons Ben and Jake, and his granddaughters Claire and Molly were the lights of his life.

The Polancich family is grateful to the nurses and doctors on staff at NCH for their compassionate care.

A visitation will take place from 4:00PM until 7:00PM on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd. Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004. A visitation will also take place at 10:00 AM followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00AM on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Rd. Arlington Heights, IL 60004. The funeral service will be live streamed, please use the "watch now" button below to access the livestream.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Augustana College Band and Choir Touring Endowment Fund (advancement.augustana.edu) or Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (oursaviours.org).