I graduated with Ron from Mt Morris High School in 1965. As we were both identified as going to college and it was a small school, we were in the same classes with the same group of students from about 1958 through 1965.
Teachers would come and go, Junior High changed to High School but Jerry, Ron, Cheryl, Pam, Ken,Tonya, Dennie, Mike, Gary, Jim, Maryanne and others would be there with you in class sitting in alphabetical order year after year. It was the late 50’s and early 60’s. It was structure and stability.
And then we graduated and we all went in separate directions.
While I saw Ron only twice in the past 58 years, I did hear about his career in the Navy. I knew he graduated high in his class at the Academy, that he flew helicopters and he commanded an aircraft carrier. That last point to me is absolutely stunning. I can not imagine the education, the experiences or the responsibilities one has to master in order to be qualified to command an aircraft carrier.
Your passing Ron has been a jarring experience for all of us who knew you from Mt Morris. We are stunned that we now have lost you. I guess in the back of my mind I always thought you would be the last one of us standing. You are gone to soon Ron. My condolences and prayers for all of your family and friends during this time of great sadness.
Your friend,
John Gradowski
