With heartfelt sadness, the family of Ron Ongaro announce his peaceful passing on Monday, January 27, 2025 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Ron was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, neighbour and really good guy.
Ron was born on July 19, 1965 to Germano and Alma Ongaro, the second of four children. Following graduation from Selkirk High School, Ron commenced employment with Laine and Fairbairn where he obtained his Class “A” Mechanic’s Licence. He subsequently started his own company, servicing heating and air conditioning in heavy equipment. He enjoyed the relationships developed with suppliers, customers and contractors, many of whom became good friends. It didn’t matter the time of day, if he was in range, he would answer the call or text; from his truck, his boat and for the last three months, his hospital bed.
He married Lori-Ann Marshalok on October 1, 1988 and together they raised two beautiful daughters, Emily and Zoe. He was a proud and loving girl dad supporting his daughters in all their endeavours. Many hours were spent in hockey arenas and gymnasiums, fostering new friendships along the way. When his girls really wanted a pet, we gifted Ron a Portuguese Water Dog for his 40th birthday. Ron finally had another male in the house and Oscar was best furry companion for our family. The door was always open to all of the girls’ friends and if rides were required, Ron was available to chauffeur.
Cherished memories were made on tournament weekends, camping trips and family vacations. He was extraordinarily proud of both his daughters and equally proud of the partners they chose. A road trip to the Indy 500 with Emily and Cameron and a kitchen renovation project with Zoe and Nick were enjoyed just prior to his cancer diagnosis. He admired his daughters for their achievements, commitment to whatever they undertook and their wanderlust.
In his spare time, Ron enjoyed fishing with friends and family on Lake Superior and Lake Nipigon and hunting at Deadhorse. More recently he enjoyed snowmobiling and volunteering with Thunder Bay Adventure Trails, where he made new friends and hoped to spend more time. He was previously a member of the Canadian Ski Patrol and coach, referee and executive member with Thunder Bay Women’s Hockey Association.
Ron is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lori-Ann; daughters Emily (Cameron Greer) and Zoe (Nick Harding); siblings, Rick and Kathy Ongaro, Cathy and John Jelaca and John and Susan Ongaro. His mother-in-law, Mary-Ann Marshalok, brother-in-law, Rob and Dawn Marshalok and sister-in-law, Tracey and Kyle Vescio. Ron was a fun-loving, top-tier uncle to nieces and nephews, Kimberly (Jesse), Amy, Matthew, Justin (Maggie), Taryn (Peytin), Katie, Jacquelyn (Adam), Carsyn, Kayla, Megan, Bentley, Alli (Jesse), Sarah (Brady), Nick (Julia and Reece) and Jessica (Hayden).
He was predeceased by his parents, Germano (1988), Alma (2021) and father-in-law, Bob Marshalok (2022).
For someone who worked hard and lived a very active life, Ron accepted his cancer diagnosis with grace and humility. We are grateful for the love and kindness of our family, friends, co-workers and neighbours during this difficult time. Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Internal Medicine, Oncology, Interventional Radiology and Palliative Care teams and all the staff of 1A at TBRHSC for the professional and compassionate care provided to Ron over the last three months.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 1:00 - 3:30 pm at the Italian Cultural Centre, with words of remembrance at 2:15 pm. Should family and friends so desire, donations to PRO Kids, Dew Drop Inn or Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
Ron, dad, we love you and will miss you always and forever.
Thank you for always taking care of us.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
