Ronald "Ron" Gedeon

Ronald “Ron” Gedeon, born on May 18, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Otto Gedeon and Lillian Stickler, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2024. A devoted husband, father, accomplished & brilliant aerospace engineer, gifted athlete, youth coach and beloved grandfather, Ron leaves behind a legacy of love, fun, dedication, and innovation.

Ron met Maureen on a blind date on New Year's Eve 1961 and they married in February 1963. Maureen would admit that it wasn't exactly love at first sight - Ron had a cut on his face from a sledding incident, and she worried that he might be a "ruffian". She soon found that not to be the case and that they were meant to be together. During their 62 years of marriage, they made idyllic homes and countless friends in the Boston, Detroit, and Denver area suburbs. Sparked by a family road trip out west in 1978, Ron and Maureen fell in love with Colorado and moved there in 1981 settling first in Littleton, and then Highlands Ranch.

Ron was a proud and loving father to his four children: Elayne Sadler (Kevin), Brian Gedeon (Tina), Kevin Gedeon (Kristina), and Annemarie Weekly (Darren). His joy multiplied as he became a grandfather to Jacob (Shayla), Nicholas, Patrick, Quinn, Madeline, Mitchell, and Kayleigh, and great grandfather to Ryan and Hailey who will always cherish his warm smile, stories, wisdom, and unwavering support. A gifted athlete (nicknamed "Hat Trick Ronnie on his college hockey team), he passed down his love of sport to his kids. If he was not on the field coaching, he was in the stands cheering them on - oftentimes still in a suit and tie coming straight from work. During the cold Michigan winters, he would flood the front lawn and create an ice hockey / figure skating arena for the neighborhood bringing joy and lifelong memories to all. Later with the grandkids, he followed their sporting pursuits traveling to softball, baseball, volleyball, hockey, and horse-riding events across the country. He was a dedicated Colorado Avalanche fan, and heartily celebrated their three Cup wins. He watched every game right up to the end.

After earning his degree in mechanical engineering from Fenn College of Engineering (now part of Cleveland State University's Washkewicz College of Engineering), Ron pursued a career that matched his passion for technology and exploration. He worked at various aerospace defense industry giants such as Vought/LTV and Lockheed (Martin) Marietta, where he contributed to groundbreaking projects surrounding advanced guidance system engineering from 1981 until his retirement. His work left an indelible mark on the industry and those fortunate enough to work alongside him. A lifelong learner, Ron continued to take classes/training in areas as diverse as electronics, law enforcement and music. Long before the internet, Ron could fix anything and was the go-to auto, bicycle, and lawn mower mechanic for the neighborhood. In doing so, he taught his sons everything they know about exterior illumination.

Ron was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Gedeon, and his parents, Otto and Lillian Gedeon. His family takes comfort in knowing that he will be reunited with them in eternal peace.

Ron’s memory, unwavering principles, and humility will inspire and live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate his life at a memorial service to be scheduled in early 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the American Brain Tumor Association ( https://bit.ly/DonateABTA  ) or the Denver Dumb Friends League (https://www.ddfl.org/cgd ) honoring Ron’s dedication to his furry companions, family and community.

Rest in peace our sweet gentle Ron/Dad/Bumpa—you will be dearly and forever missed.