Ronald Lee Collette

Ronald Lee Collette died Wednesday, July 20th at the age of 64 in Fort Myers, FL due to post-operative surgical complications. Ron was born on July 30th, 1951 in Washington, D.C. and graduated from West Springfield High School in Virginia in 1969. He served in the Army as a Military Policeman before beginning a 40+ year career in the food service industry, the majority with Hardee’s Food Systems whom he considered his second family. His most recent position with Hardee’s was Vice President of Franchise Operations for CKE Restaurants.

He won several major service awards throughout his professional career as he led by example with a desire to do things right the first time, help others reach their full potential, and always have a service-first mindset. Those who worked with him described him as someone they respected that was tough but fair, with a great sense of humor and always ready with a “Ron-ism” for any situation. That career took Ron and his loving wife Lyn to many markets and some states they returned to more than once. In Florida he enjoyed playing golf, Texas the barbecue and Houston Astros, and in North Carolina he became a lifelong fan of NASCAR. His other hobbies included car and lawn care, travel, and of course, passionately following the ups and many downs of his beloved Washington Redskins.

A few of his favorite books included “What It Takes to Be #1” by Vince Lombardi Jr, “The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell”, and “It’s Called Work For a Reason” by Larry Winget. He was an aficionado of many musicians and movies spanning all genres, but always held a special place for the Three Stooges, The Moody Blues, Englebert Humperdink, as well as many country music artists.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Lyn, and his 3 sons: Jason and his wife Sarah, Aaron and his wife Meghan, and Brian and his wife Jessica. He was “Grandpop” to five grandchildren: Owen, Jacob, Harrison, Emma, and Paul. He was brother to his twin Mike, Glenn (Silvetti), and his sisters Judy (Wise), Donna (Toney), and Roxanne (Silvetti). He was the loving son of Lillian Davis and son-in-law to Peter and Mickey Bickett. He was predeceased by his stepfather Mario (Silvetti), brother Lane (Silvetti), sister Millie (Silvetti), and decades-long best friend Scott (Satterfield).

Services will be held 2pm Saturday, August 6th, at the Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home in Fort Myers, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to two causes Ron cared deeply for: hunger and those who protect and serve our communities.

The Harry Chapin Food Bank - helping to provide food to those in need throughout Southwest Florida

The Armor of God Project - helping to provide body armor to police departments

The Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida

3760 Fowler St

Fort Myers, FL 33901

www.harrychapinfoodbank.org

Armor of God Project

P.O. Box

Muscle Shoals, AL 35662

http://vestforlife.com/

Arrangements under the direction of HODGES-KISER FUNERAL HOME, Fort Myers, FL.