Ronald Smith

RONALD H. SMITH, age 78. Beloved husband of Joann (nee Wukovich). Dearest son of the late Harold and Anna Smith. Loving brother of Maria Porach. Dear brother-in-law of Virginia Burton (Charles, deceased) and Diana Mayer (John, deceased). Also survived by his nieces, Cheryl Bokisa (Jim), Joanie Gedeon (Matt), Karen Gallagher (Kevin), and Lori Crow (Jim); great nieces and nephews - Chuck (Ellen), Christie (Philip), Jesse, Sean, Christopher, Jonathan, Emily, Steven, Logan and Joey and great-great nieces and nephews - Ashton, Cylas, Charlie, JJ, Trinity, Kane, Adaline, Allie, and Ace. He also had many cherished friends with whom he shared countless fond memories over the years.

One of his greatest joys were the visits from his family and friends during his illness. They always brought a smile to his face and took away his pains with their joy and laughter. He was thankful for all the flowers, cards, phone calls and visits - he cherished each and every one of them.

Ron and his wife, Joann, met when they were 14 and 12, respectively, in their childhood neighborhood. They were friends for many years, and they knew their love was meant to be. On July 3, 2026, they would have been married for 55 years.

Ron was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and also a Eucharistic Minister at St. John Bosco. He also enjoyed watching and feeding all the birds and squirrels that came to his house daily for their bread and peanuts and always loved being out in the yard. Ron loved his 3 dogs - Bandit, King, and Baby along with his pet birds - Chipper, Sunshine, Willie and Brooke - all deceased and with him over the Rainbow Bridge.

Ron was in the 11th Army Cavalry Regiment D Company 1st Squad, as a SP 5 and served in the Vietnam War as a tank gunner. During the war, he survived a rocket that was launched straight through the tank that he was manning. He was extremely proud to have served our country and was presented an award for exceptional meritorious service and received the Army Commendation Medal for the militant operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam from February 2, 1967, to February 1, 1968.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday May 15th, 2026, St. John Bosco Church at 10 AM. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends on THURSDAY May 14th, 2026, from 3 - 7 PM at the A. RIPEPI & SONS' FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY RD., MIDDLEBURG HTS., OH 44130 (WEST OF I-71).