Ronald Anthony "Ron" Catanzaro

Known for his faith, love of family, and joyful ability to bring people together,Ronald Anthony Catanzaro passed away on Monday, October 6th, 2025 at the age of 87, surrounded by family.

Ron was born on February 3rd, 1938, to the late Joseph and Viola Catanzaro in Dayton, OH. He grew up alongside his sister, Carmel Kibler, and was especially shaped by the steady presence of his aunt, Alma Kluesner, whose care and influence remained with him throughout his life.

Ron attended Holy Rosary Grade School, where he formed the first of many lifelong friendships—bonds that remained strong for the rest of his life. He went on to graduate from Chaminade High School in 1956. His circle of friends only deepened there, and many of those connections endured for decades, grounded in loyalty, laughter, and his remarkable interest in the lives of others.

In his late teens, he met JoAnn Lefeld of Coldwater, OH. Ron made the 2 hour drive weekend after weekend, determined to win her heart. He often slept in his car just to spend time with her, planning dates and making every visit count.

On July 11th, 1959, he married JoAnn —his “Guardian Angel” for more than 60 years of marriage. Together they raised a family of five children in the Dayton area and built a life grounded in love, laughter, and deep connection to family and friends.

Ron pushed himself to grow professionally and provide for his expanding family. He spent 26 years at Monarch Marking, building a reputation as an innovative and capable business leader, before taking the leap to start his own company, Eagle Wright Innovations, in 1986.Never one to stand still, he also taught himself how to invest—motivated by a deep commitment to securing a strong future for those he loved.

Ron’s love for the University of Dayton was one of many deep joys he shared with JoAnn. Though he began his studies there, it was their shared pride in being Flyers—and the friendships, fundraisers, and Flyer basketball games they enjoyed together—that made UD part of the rhythm of their life.

Their love of travel often took them far beyond Ohio. Whether exploring new cities with friends or immersing themselves in other cultures, every journey was approached with open hearts and a desire to connect.

It was on a trip to Chile with Fr Larry they formed their connection to Sister Norma of the Precious Blood Mission in Chile. There, Ron and JoAnn’s faith found one of its most profound expressions. Together they visited and supported Sister Norma’s work, which focused on meeting the most basic needs of children living in poverty. Ron and JoAnn gave personally, encouraged others to join them, and quietly lived out their belief that faith without action is incomplete.

Ron’s life was shaped by his boundless curiosity, love of people, and desire to bring joy wherever he went. He was a connector, a planner, a listener, and the heartbeat of every gathering—often the one with the biggest smile, the boldest idea, or the first to say, “Let’s go.”

He had a quiet mission of looking out for others—always paying attention, always checking in. If someone was struggling, he didn’t hesitate to rally support: “I’m worried about them,” he’d say, followed by, “Maybe you could give them a call,” or “They might need help finding a job.”Ron’s love was never passive—it moved people to action.

Above all else, Ron’s love for JoAnn defined his life. Their marriage of more than 60 years was filled with laughter, partnership, and purpose.

After JoAnn’s passing in 2021, Ron found comfort and companionship with Lois Knapke, who brought warmth, laughter, and care into his life. Lois’s presence was a blessing and a testament to the enduring openness of his heart in his final years,

He will be felt in the hearts of those who loved him—through laughter or shenanigans at a party; enjoying a Flyers, Browns, Fighting Irish or Reds game; or simply being a friend. His legacy lives on in every relationship he nurtured, every moment he showed up, and every life he made better by simply being himself.

He is survived by his five children: Joyce Catanzaro of Ogden, UT; Lucie & Greg Steller of Cincinnati; Francie & Mark Belt of Waynesville; Vince & Shelley Catanzaro of Springboro; and Tony Catanzaro & Cassandra Sandkam of Seattle, WA. He leaves behind eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, as well as his Lefeld in-laws, sister Carmel Kibler (Tom). He is preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn and grandson, Andreas Belt.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 5:00–7:30 PM in the Westbrock Funeral Home – Dayton, 1712 Wayne Ave.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Ron's honor on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4500 Ackerman Blvd., Kettering. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Dayton, OH.

Friends and Family will be invited for a celebration of life party following the services on Saturday at the American Czechoslovakian Club on Valley St. in Dayton.

Please join us for one last celebration.

In lieu of flowers the family requests you donate to ALS foundation, ALS United Ohio Donation Form - ALS United Ohio

ALS United Ohio- 1170 Old Henderson Road - Suite 221 Columbus, OH 43220