You are gone but not forgotten.  I’m
sure God is using your talents with His celestial choir

I was just practicing playing guitar tonight and starting playing Bang the Gong by T-Rex - a song that Ron Zabrocki had taught me back when I was taking guitar lessons from him circa 1990 or so and for some reason I decided to google his name to see what he was up to- I’m so very sorry to read of his passing- I knew Ron for a few years and always enjoyed his passion for teaching music and more importantly for his love of family- he eventually kicked me out as a student since I couldn’t commit to practicing guitar full time with 3 young kids and a 6 day a week dental practice - I always looked forward to those lessons and his personal stories that he shared- he was a rock star to his friends and family- my condolences Eric G

Ron was our friend. Our real friend. He would do, and did so much for us. He taught me how to put my heart into a song. 
We will remember Ron always. RIP

Please accept my belated condolences, Lori, Michael and Denise. Ron and I worked together on my album Just One Hitch in 2015-16. He was a pleasure to work with and generous of time and talent.  He played some piano and lots of guitar tracks and did bg vocals too.  Ron was the guy I found who  loved the material and he really inspired me to pursue the production.   He was really proud of his work on this project and its a testament to his talent that it turned out the way it did.  ;). Rest in peace my dear friend. Love, Eliot

He went to quickly. Will be deeply missed
I feel awful my love and prayers to the family.

THANK YOU to everyone who posted these kind words and memories.  

I consider myself one of the more fortunate people who actually got to see and work with Ron on my first cd thanks to being introduced to him by his brother Michael. Ron was so good at what he did I’d sometimes compare him to a mind reader. I needed only to play a song once and he knew exactly what I was trying to express. After laying down the basic track he would tell me to go have lunch and then return. When I did ,to my astonishment the song was completely finished! True story folks. I used to tell him that I didn’t want to be his friend because he was such a great guitarist. Rest my bro.

Dear Mike and Laura, 
I am so sad to hear about the passing of Ronnie.  I learned so much about music from him.  I can still remember Ronnie telling me about the latest Kiss album. I went out and bought it the next day. I can remember how excited he would get talking about music. My love for rock music started with him. He was a good friend and a great guitarist. He will surely be missed. Take care and I will say a prayer.   

Sincerely,
Connie Gruarin 

Dee, Michael, and Lori: 
I know Ronnie is in heaven with Aunt Louise and Uncle Eddie -- and my mom, dad, and Rich -- He is playing his music and setting up a wonderful Halloween. I think Halloween is a Zabrocki thing! I still remember Ronnie's first day of school at St Stan's and all the fun times in the Zabrocki basement. I know he is already missed but we will all hold him in our hearts. 

Stephen Mueller                                                                      Friend.                                                                                                My deepest condolences to the Zabrocki family. Ron was more than just a friend to me. He was a musical genius and a selfless person. He always told me if I had any questions to ask him and he would help me out. He was very forthcoming with music and knowledge. He taught me a lot. Ron had a great sense of humor too. I will miss him.                                                 Rest well my friend. R. I.P. Ron 

Hearing  today May 12th  2023  of Ron's sudden passing was not only a tremendous shock  it was mind blowing and took away a piece of my heart. RZ as I affectionally called him was more than a friend to me these past forty years, he was the musical genius  who over the years arranged and produced as well as playing ALL the instruments on over fifty songs of mine I had written. Producing my songs was not just a job to Ron, it was a labor of love!  And I say that because whenever the songs were finished they sounded better than they actually were when I wrote them. Aside from being an extraordinary musician and producer RZ had more of an intellect and knowledge than any one I've ever known. He was well versed in a variety ranging from science to politics to health to the ARTS etc.  As a "tell it like it is" person who loved to debate Ron's knowledge enabled Ron to 'tell it like it is' quite well. Finally, RZ as a person was a beautiful human being, very caring and loving  as well as possessing  a trait I myself cherish the most, being loyal. Anyhow, I can go on and on about my brother RZ but for the moment I too  am running out of tears for my dear friend whose left this earth far too young and whom  I'm going to terribly miss every day of my remaining life. See you up in heaven bro. Love ya!  ART the GOOD MAN!

I want to send my deepest condolences to Mike, Denise and Lori. I am lucky to have known Ronnie and call him a friend.  He was a great musician but more importantly a great human being. A funny, kind and generous person.  He will be sorely missed. RIP Ron..

Ron was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.
I felt that all he did came from his heart, it was an honor to know him and I will miss him dearly.
RIP Ron

We are thankful to have known you and experience your talents. We know you'll  be rockin it in heaven and then some. You will live on forever in our memories. 
RIP Ron.💜
Connie & Gary

Lori and family,

I’m absolutely gutted by the loss of Ron and wish for you all of the comfort and strength to get through this most difficult time. Meeting Ron at the Wronski’s for the family reunion around 15 years ago was a life changing experience for a young musician with a serious lack of confidence. We jammed and for the first time, someone with clout told me I had “it” and my pursuit of music was a worthy one. Although I never got another chance to meet in person, I’d shared tracks of mine with him for his opinions which he always delivered, I  loved interacting on social media over the years, and bragged about knowing him. I have been a huge fan of his since the day I met him and respected him so so much. His words, opinions, and insights are going to be sorely missed, but there is no doubt that his memory will live on forever. 

Dear Lori and Michael, family and friends, 

I am so sorry about Ron’s passing . . .  I can't image what y'all are going through! Though I never met him in person, over the years we became good friends and I loved everything about him, especially how much he cared & loved you by things he said & posts I've seen regarding y'all.

In 2012, I found Ron's web site in the "Links" menu off another guitarists web page & thought "hmmm, Zabrocki, that's an interesting name, let me check this out." Once there, I saw he was giving away his latest CD called "Left of November" so I signed up & he sent one. I was immediately hooked, followed him on Instagram & after a short time we talked on the phone for the first time. It was a great chat & I loved who he was, his love for music, how down to earth & encouraging he was. Since then, we chatted on Instagram & would talk a few times yearly on the phone & our friendship grew.  

A few months ago, I asked Ron for some advice regarding the title track to the album I've been working on & he offered to help mix & master the title track. That turned into him mixing & mastering two songs for me & I am ecstatic with the results to say the least. As soon as I heard he passed, I knew I wanted to dedicate the album to him, in his honor! 

His huge love for Lori, Michael, family, friends, music, life, Halloween, Groundhog Day, Charlie Brown Holiday classics & his heart for helping so many others like me, has made a huge impression on me and I am so blessed to have known him & call him friend! 

I will continue to pray and lift you all up during this time. May the Lord bless you all and may we all be a little more like Ron to those in our world. 
In Him. . . . Kevin R. Scholl 


The reason that  it is so difficult to write this is  a testament to what a wonderful person Ron was. We were only friends for a short time but it seemed like we could have been forever. He had recorded some guitar parts for me and then I started taking some guitar lessons from him. It was a great joy to talk music with him. We had many similar interests in music his personality made those discussions even better. I am sure that all of his students thought that he made them feel  good about themselves and  perhaps smarter than what was actually the case. It was a little difficult listening to one of his solos yesterday but I will treasure all of them forever. Maybe my songs with him won't be a top 40 hit but his contributions are invaluable and it will be a loss for all those who won't ever hear his work.  I am so sorry for the loss to his family. He will not be forgotten.

Frank Bekker

Hey Ron, 

Sorry to hear you've passed.   Well here's hoping that maybe 
someday we'll meet up and find a corner bar nearby where we could 
go jam out a couple of blues tunes or something.   I think that'll be a 
lot fun.

Well until then I'll miss you,  take care of yourself.  -Brian

Thinking about my friend, producer and fellow musician today. I’m deeply saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. My dad met him in a small music shop in Torrington, CT back in 2005…I needed an acoustic recording for a songwriting contest I was entering, so I contacted Ron to see if he would be interested in helping out. I ended up driving across town to his house a couple days later and we recorded the entire  track that evening…Ron, of course, laying down a beast acoustic guitar solo in the Zabrocki-est of fashion. I went on to record my first solo album with him in the following months which is an experience I will never forget. His knowledge of music, production, guitar and other instrumentation was brilliant and really shined as we recorded that album. I know he worked tirelessly on those tracks when I wasn’t around and like so many other musicians and folks that he has worked with over all the years…I have those songs to remember him by. I wish I could tell him once more how much it meant for him to have put in that level of work for me as I was just out of college and barely had any money. 

Even more than an unbelievably gifted guitarist and producer, Ron was an amazing friend. I would always laugh at how his phones would seemingly be ringing off the hook whenever I was over his house. He would always pick up to talk to His friends and musician colleagues, even if he was in the middle of tracking a part. He would always answer when I called. And that was Ron…you could always count on him to be there for you to listen or give advice when you needed him. Some of my fondest memories are of myself, Ron and Lori just hanging out, having a drink and laughing/talking in their living room in Torrington. I wish I could do that just one more time. 

I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to Lori and the entire family. He was a legend and will be greatly missed by myself and so many others. 

Jeremy Hopkins

R.I.P. Ronald

I can still remember the first time I ever saw you and Michael play.
Your band Silver Mane was playing to re-open the candy/soda shop on Pitkin and Cross Bay.  You guys were performing in Annie Karsinski's (may she rest in peace also) backyard and, being a neighbor, she said you have to come hear my friends play.
Little did I know I'd meet you again years later through my friend Diane at St. Stan's....small world.
I know the heavenly music just got more interesting and enjoyable.
God bless.
Anna Hurley


Music has long been my sanctuary, a place to lose myself in rhythm and melody or in the craft of creation. It served as my lifeline amid life's complexities, providing solace amid relentless challenges.

Ron, initially just my guitar instructor, grew into a cherished friend and mentor over the years. Our weekly interactions were vibrant exchanges that evolved beyond mere lessons, becoming an anticipated highlight of my life.

Ron etched an indelible mark on my existence, guiding me from a fumbling self taught mess to a confident performer, helping me conquer my imposter syndrome. His wisdom and advice were my lighthouse in stormy times, his humor a source of comfort and levity.

Rest in Peace, Ron. Your kindness and musical genius have resonated worldwide, touching countless lives. While your physical presence is gone, the melody of your influence plays on, a poignant reminder of your extraordinary life. You are deeply missed, and yes... I will keep practicing and I owe you that original song still. 

In addition to being a master musician, one of the best guitarists in the world and one of the best recording engineers, Ron was an incredible human being. He was an incredible, kind friend to all of us who knew him. As busy as he was (and we all knew his crazy schedule) he would always take the time to listen and be there for his friends and family. He always was genuine and stayed that way through all the years that I have known him. Losing this man will leave a hole in all of our hearts throughout our lives. I have been left speechless all week but I feel  the necessity to convey how important and prodigious this man was and the impact he had on all of us. Especially me. I am going to miss him and the world will will not be as good a place without him. And we have all been blessed to have him in our lives and hearts. RIP my friend 

Ron recorded us in his Todor village studio in the year 2000 vito scaglione introduce us to Ron and we recorded as the four pops Ron treated us with respect and was an enormous help in finishing  our cd vito personally recorded others songs with Ron vito pass away several years ago but we are most grateful for the help and love we received from Ron and vito we will miss Ron & vito may they rest in GOD’s CARE

Ron …and you Lori…meant  so much to my son Benjamin …❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Whenever I called Ron and asked about a guitar or piece of gear I was thinking of purchasing he always responded the same “Save Your Money” PRACTICE MORE, it’s All in the Hands😂

I called Ron up to tell him I was purchasing a guitar from Ed Roman, he told me his neighbor actually made guitars for Ed, he hooked me up and this is the guitar Ron Blake made❤️

My dear Ronnie.  I will miss you horribly Thankyou for the happy times in Hawaii the breakfast, Kona. coffee,and pancakes
And the fun at the 4th of July reunions!  I will always miss you and you  will be in my Heart today and forever.  Love Dee xx

Dear Lori and Zabrocki Family
 My brother Joe and I were students and friends of Ron’s going back to the Christ the King days.
 We lost touch over the years but when social media came along, we followed Ron’s posts with great interest and enjoyment.
 He helped launch our lifelong passion for music and specifically our guitar playing, for which we will always be grateful.
 He was an amazing inspiration to both of us, a super talented person and clearly loved by many.
 We are so sorry for your loss.
 Please accept our sincere condolences. May he rest in peace.
 Sincerely,
 Tom and Joe Hardardt   


While my guitar gently weeps…

We must remember, it’s not what we take with us, it’s what we leave behind. 

Ron  left us with his music and his friendship. For me personally, Ron taught me how to play guitar. But more importantly he taught me to appreciate all music. I am sure Ron will hold his own with all the great guitar players up in heaven. 

May God’s peace be with you. Amen

Rich D’Auria

My Cousin Ron we grew up since we were born. Soso so memories that I can’t name. But they will always be in our hearts. Never forgotten. I can write so much make intense watching scary movies. Also I can’t. I can’t do it. I am crying so much I can’t even tell it.
I can also remember uncle Eddie grave of Houdini and we just had so much fun there lol. And going down in the base Michael and Ronnie plant that music and they wanted always wanted me to sing so many more to say but I can’t. My heart is aching. Love you Ron Love Lou



Words cannot explain how sad I was when I found out I met Ron thru Mike and I was blessed to know him. Talented and funny
Ron will be missed dearly 🙏😢

Although I didn’t know Ron as well personally as I do Michael, hearing the stories about him from Frank made me feel like I did. We are both so saddened by his passing. Our hearts & prayers are with all of the Zabrocki family.

Coleen Celentano

Condolences to the family, I'll miss our chats Ron

To the Zabrocki Family,

Heartbroken for you.   I'll never forget the St Stanislaus Folk Group, all the fun we practicing,  and our wonderful masses!  Ron was a Master Guitar player very early on and we all loved him.   Soar with the angels Ron, I'm sure you already have a band started!   Love to all.

Teri

I am so sorry for the loss of such a loved and well respected man. I will always think of Ron whenever I hear a Todd Rundgren song. Such great memories of Ron in the sacristy of St. Stan's after folk group practice singing I Saw the Light, May he be in the most gracious light now and at peace for all eternity......

Ron was a true gift.  He touched my life in so many ways.  His smile, wit, and sense of humor were contagious.  Ron was thoughtful and generous; disciplined and playful.  His musical contributions aside, Ron left a mark on the world (and all of us) that will never fade.

I will forever miss him.

Ron, I can’t believe we’ve known each other since you and Michael were born. Sutter Ave was the place to be when the Zabrocki twins were around. So many great memories growing up. I know you’ll be making beautiful music and throwing awesome Halloween parties. Rest well my friend. 

I'm so sorry for your loss  may he rip 🙏 my condolences 🙏 Lori and family sincerely Michelle Cohn ❤️ 

From Sutter Avenue to Italy to Switzerland. We had some great journeys. "Everything looks like noodles!".  Hope you're hanging with Joe Pass and showing him all you've learned. I will miss you everyday.

Your humor, compassion and love of music will be remembered always. Lori, Mike, and family  may you be surrounded by the comfort and love of friends and family. Our thoughts will be with you as you travel through this difficult journey. 🙏❤️Love , Chuck and Pat Schulze

I was recovering from emergency surgery in 2005, right at time when my lease was up and I wasn't sure where I would be living next.  You drove from NY to CT to help put all my stuff in a storage unit.  I didn't ask -- you just did it.   Music brought us together but you were far more than that to me ... and I know I meant for more than that to you.  I love you, brother.  I wanted my son to know you ... and while he never got the chance to meet you in person, he will know you through me, for you are a part of me.  You are immortal, for now you live in him too.  I will help the family in whatever way I can.   

Ron made everyone around him feel and BE better...it was a gift so great that I was lucky to be around it . I'm proud to be his friend.

Ron I have known you a long time through Facebook. You were always a kind soul to me and an extremely talented musician.  I will so miss your light and your posts.  The world is dimmer without you in it.  I can't believe you are gone.  My heart aches.  

My sisters and I are going to miss you terribly. We love you. I hope you're hanging out in the afterlife with every dream guitar imaginable and it's Halloween every day. Don't worry about my dad - we're going to take good care of him. 

Ronnie has joined the heavenly choir with his many talents.  He will be missed here on earth.  Our deepest condolences to Lori, Michael and the family.

I love you, Uncle Ronnie, and I’m sorry to say goodbye this way, but I know you are at peace.  Please hug Grandma and Grandpa from us.  

Love,
Heather, Jeff, and Madelyn 

Dear Ron ....My Vito or Don Vito as you called him thought the world of you. I am praying that by now you and him have reconnected in heaven. He was your biggest fan.  You will be forever missed  by all. Your music will never end it is ur legacy. Forever You Will Be💜

Ron,
     I just wanted to say that you were an amazing influence in my life especially with my battle with weight issues and so much more! You were behind the scenes as usual but you were a great and understanding person that I surely needed at that moment.
Ron was more, much more than a talented musician and recording studio guru, he was a very understanding human being with deep and true feelings..... he will be missed. 
This is a very sad day...❤

Edward Martin

Ron thanks for your friendship rest in peace. You are a kind human being, so generous, talented, you will be missed 

RON may you rest in peace you will be missed thank you for the memories teaching me guitar and helping me recording a few songs May the angels guide you to your next Journey 🙏🙏🙏

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE OF MUSIC , ALSO GREAT MEMORIES OF YOU AS PART OF THE FOLK GROUPBAT ST. STANISLAUS. YOU AND YOUR BROTHER BROKE THE RULES IN ST. STDNS WITH THE LONG HAIR..

 MAY YOUR SOUL THROUGH THE HEAVEN ON A MUSICAL NOTE AND KEEP US GROUND WARRIOR SAFE..

 MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO YOUR BROTHER, WIFE & CHILDREN ...
  YOUR A A BEAUTIFUL STAPLE IN THE COMMUNITY..MAY YOUR LEGEND LIVE ON FOR ALL TO ENJOY.......

R.I.P BROTHER

Ron was an exceptional person.   He was so generous with his knowledge and friendship.   I will never forget him.  Condolences to his family and friends.  

I’m going to miss Ron but will never forget him. Many many things are going to remind me. Condolences to Lori and to Ron’s brother Mike and the rest of the family and friends. 

My prayers and deepest sympathies go out to his wife, his brother, and the Zabrocki family.  

Our Deepest Condolences to the Zabrocki Family. We will miss him so much!
AJ and Brian

OBITUARY

Ronald C. Zabrocki

October 12, 1959 – May 9, 2023

R. Stutzmann & Son

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services