Ronald “Ron” Wukeson, 68, passed away at his home in Dayton, Ohio, on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
Ron was born on March 3, 1956, in Dayton. He grew up in Riverside surrounded by the love of his parents, Joseph and Frances, and his older brother, Gary. Ron graduated from Stebbins High School in 1974 and earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from Wright State University in 1978.
A lifelong lover of the English language, Ron was a tremendously talented editor and proofreader. He nurtured this calling through professional editing roles at Charles E. Merrill Publishing Company and the Beavercreek News. He returned to his alma mater in 1986, where he spent more than three decades editing publications for Wright State University. Ron retired in 2021 as senior editor in the Wright State Office of Marketing after 35 years of service.
Ron was a man of great faith. He was an active member of Community Methodist Church Riverside, where he served as a long-time board member and dedicated volunteer. Ron deeply loved God and engaged people accordingly. He listened, asked questions, and then would politely request to pray with them. By doing so, he brought out the best in others and connected meaningfully with people from all types of backgrounds.
In his spare time, Ron enjoyed reading, writing, and connecting with others. He loved traveling around the country—often to visit family or friends. Before his brother Gary’s passing, the pair made an annual trip to Hueston Woods State Park together. Ron also dearly loved to send and receive postcards, letters, and greeting cards.
Ron’s friends and colleagues remember him as endlessly kind—a gentle soul with nothing but love to give to the world. Always armed with a cup of coffee or tea and a genuine smile, Ron was a master of puns and a gifted storyteller. Quick to remember a song lyric or a movie quote, he always seemed to have a unique bit of trivia to add to any conversation. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Frances Wukeson, and his brother Gary Wukeson. He is survived by his three goddaughters, Jennifer Gueth, Carli Milano, and Jillian Milano; his “friend family,” including Jessica and Jonathan Sparks, Greg and Fran Milano, Diana Riggs, and Cory Owen; and countless close personal friends and "church family" members.
The celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Friday, June 7, at Community Methodist Church Riverside, located at 339 Meyer Avenue, Riverside, Ohio 45431. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. After the service and luncheon conclude, attendees are invited to a brief committal ceremony at 3 p.m. at Miami Valley Memory Gardens (1639 E Lytle 5 Points Rd, Centerville, Ohio 45458).
