Ronald Howard Redfield

Ronald Howard Redfield, 69, of Lutz, Florida, passed away on October 3, 2026. Born in Washington, D.C., Ron was a man who loved to laugh and loved even more to make others laugh. He was always joking around, and his big, joyful spirit made everyone around him feel like they belonged.

Ron grew up playing Little League baseball, coached by his father, James Redfield Sr. He graduated from Yorktown High School in 1975, where he swam and played baseball. He went on to study at Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts, and later took business classes at Northern Virginia Community College.

Ron built a career in hospitality, beginning in customer service at the Watergate Hotel and then at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., before moving to Tampa. He retired as a VIP manager and Director of Guest Services from the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. He was beloved by everyone who met him, and he formed close, lasting friendships with so many guests that they would ask for him by name.

Ron delighted in meeting celebrities and athletes, and he cherished his autograph book throughout his life. He also had a lifelong love of magic. As "Roland the Magician," he performed at children's birthday parties when he was young, and he never stopped sharing that gift. His greatest trick was making a room full of people laugh and feel at home.

Ron's happiest days were spent on Cape Cod, where he loved spending time with family and friends. Taking his children to the Barn of Fun was always one of his favorite pastimes.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Yolanda; his children, Ashley Redfield, Elizabeth (Christopher) Kroger, and Christopher (Rebecca) Redfield; his grandchildren, Gwen, Rylan, Christian, Violet, Eliana, and James; and his brother, James Redfield. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and James Redfield Sr.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 13, at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. and a reception at 11:30 a.m., all at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O' Lakes, Florida. Burial will follow at a later date in Harwich, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind at www.lvib.org.