(1958 – 2023)
It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Ron, a dear husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. Surrounded by family and friends at the Sault Area Hospital on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.
Beloved husband of Susan (nee Link), father and best friend of Jacob (Melissa Zappacosta) and Jonathan. Best papa ever and #1 playmate of Fei Lynn Zeppa and Drayke Zappacosta. The light of his life was the birth of his granddaughter Fei Lynn Zeppa. His peanut, his pumpkin, his buddy, the apple of his eye. She looked forward to scooter rides with papa to the creek every visit and had a T-shirt that read “I can melt papa’s heart” This saying held true every day!
Ron is the youngest son of the late Sophie (Pszeniczny) and Joe Zeppa. Ron leaves behind his two brothers Ed (late Dorothy) (Elsie) and John (Lana). The three were always there for each other, good times and the bad, never missing their Friday morning breakfasts, right up until Ron’s illness. Only to replace them with front porch visits and a cup of coffee.
Uncle to Tom Zeppa (Kim), great uncle to Jessica Zeppa (Jordan Stasiuk) and Kristen Whately (Owen). Uncle to Marty Zeppa (Lisa Harnum). Uncle to Nancy Zeppa (John Findlay), great uncle to Josh Findlay (Kayla), and Nicole Findlay (Alex Benzin), great great uncle to Jack and Kori Findlay, Russell, and Violet Benzin. Uncle to Richard Zeppa (Lisa Dunbar) and Vicki Zeppa (Jim Marinelli). He loved them all dearly!
Rons nephew Tom Zeppa returned to the Sault over a year ago and Ron couldn’t have been happier, they picked up where they left off. The two were more like brothers than anything, hanging out in the garage, around a bonfire, going to car shows, reminiscing. Their love of cars (and burnouts) was well known. Ron once having a Camaro when he was younger, enjoyed going for rides with Tom in his Z28! The smiles on his face said it all. The time they spent together meant everything to Ron.
Ron had so many other passions. Ron took pride in his yard. He loved to tend to his plants and lawn. just like his dad would have wanted. Everything had to be perfect! And perfect it was! He loved being out on the water, fishing with his boys. Although he caught many fish, he would never eat them! They also went deer hunting together in the fall and made deer sausage.
Ron was an avid photographer and took many stunning photos, especially the sunsets on Lake Matinenda or various locations out in nature such as St. Joe’s Island.
Family always came first. Getting together with family and friends. Celebrating the holidays meant everything to him. His smoked hams and BBQ ’ed bacon were simply the best. When he brought the ham into the house, we all waited patiently, mouths watering for Ron to carve the first piece. We would have a taste and smack our lips! Having a bonfire at night was always the best ending to a family day!
Ron worked in the plate mill as a crane operator in the steel plant until his retirement.
He has great friends that always stood by his side throughout the years Tony Mancuso (Pam), Ray Sartor (Brenda), Bob Sauve (Carol), Percy Nelson, Mike Edwards (Susan), Ray Paquette (Chris) and many many many more!
The Zeppa family would like to thank the team of doctors and nurses in Toronto and at Sault Area Hospital who took wonderful care of Ron. A special thank you goes to all the nurses in Dialysis at S.A.H.
Ron was truly loved by all who knew him. He will be sadly missed by many aunts, uncles, family members, and friends.
Susan and Ron had a very special relationship from the beginning and cared for each other dearly. They shared 48 years together, 41 of those years happily married. “We dated for 8 years before he FINALLY asked me to marry him! Together we created a lifetime of wonderful memories. Ron will live in my heart forever!” Sue
Bon Voyage! Captain Ron has set sail on his last cruise on the Wanderr!
Ron will always be the Wanderr.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation Renal Care Fund (payable online or by cheque).
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com. to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 215 St. James St, 705-759-8456.