Ronald James Vasey

Ronald James Vasey, 79, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Alto by Allegro Senior Living in Grayslake, IL. He was born on November 15, 1946 at Victory Memorial Hospital in Waukegan, IL to his parents Kenneth Vasey (deceased 1981) and Shirley Vasey (Ward) (deceased 2006).

Ron's beloved wife, Julia, predeceased him on 11/24/2002. He will be laid to rest next to her at Highland Memorial Park in Libertyville, IL.

Surviving Ron are his three sons; Matthew Vasey (wife Dana) of Fox Lake, Aaron Vasey and Timothy Vasey (wife Shannon) of Waukegan, IL. Ron is also survived by his two adored grandchildren; Mason Vasey and Audrey Vasey; his two sisters Sue Popovich of Beach Park, IL and Gay Vasey Walker (Jeff Wiszowaty) of Waukegan, IL, and his companion of over 20 years, Marcella Bowling of Russell, IL.

Ron was a graduate of Waukegan Township High School, Class of 1964. Immediately upon graduation, Ron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served four years, much of which was spent in Vietnam.

Ron helped to start Doyle Distributing in Gurnee, IL, and remained there for 34 years. He then worked several years for the Lake County Courthouse and retired from that position as well.

He married Julie, the love of his life, and they settled in Lake Villa, IL. Ron and Julie enjoyed traveling together, watching their son, Matt, play baseball, and keeping an open door for all their friends and family. Their home was the place where everyone they knew came and gravitated to the kitchen table to talk through life’s problems, share stories, cry, laugh, and left feeling loved and cared for.

Ron loved his grandkids, the White Sox, his granddogs, his family/friends, and John Wayne movies (sometimes in that order depending on the White Sox record). He was a man of quiet kindness, had a quick wit, and enjoyed good-naturedly teasing people. He’d charge you a quarter to use his bathroom, and the fines were steeper if you forgot to turn the light off! He loved a good sitcom and watched Friends, MASH, and the Big Bang Theory daily.

Ron’s schedule revolved around when the White Sox game would be on, and his son Matt and the grandkids’ activity schedules. Even into his 40’s, Ron’s son Matt played softball, and Ron was a fixture on the 3rd baseline. A silent presence. Always there to watch his boy play. Ron loved watching his grandson, Mason, play soccer, and his granddaughter, Audrey act in plays. Ron would ride along with his daughter-in-law, Dana, to all the games, always teasing her about her willingness to go out of her way to not have to make a left turn. Ron enjoyed going out to breakfast and then visiting a good flea market with his dear friend, Marcella.

Arizona held a special place in his heart. He loved the mountain views, the warm weather, watching Spring Training baseball, and time by the pool. His condo there was a place that he and Julie loved, and Ron got to continue to enjoy throughout his retirement years. Ron grew a garden every year, and even planted some vegetables this year (we’re trying to keep them alive for you, Dad!). He truly enjoyed fishing, spending hours at a time out at the Spring Grove Hatchery. Ron was an avid reader, and enjoyed doing puzzles.

Ron was a giver. Although he was quieter in his later years, he was always listening. He always wanted to help in whatever way he could. He loved to bless his kids and grandkids with gifts. One year, his granddaughter really wanted a doll for Christmas. He bought her four! When his grandson graduated high school he really wanted to get him a UTV (we put the kibosh on that one!).

Ron attended CrossPoint Church in Ingleside with his family. He didn’t often talk about the deep stuff…but we know that he loved Jesus. So we have hope. We know that he closed his eyes to take a nap, and was ushered into the glory of Heaven to be with Jesus, and to spend eternity there with Him and to be reunited with Julie. So not only do we have hope, but we have joy. He suffered much, but today, there is no suffering. Only Jesus.

We hope you can join us in celebrating the life of Ron Vasey on Saturday, September 19th at 10 AM at Crosspoint Church (27430 W. Nippersink Rd, Ingleside, IL). A reception will follow with light snacks in the church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron’s name to CrossPoint Church, or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research would be a wonderful way to honor his memory.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”- John 3:16