Ron Rhondeau

Ron Rhondeau obituary, Crozet, VA

Ron Rhondeau

Ron Rhondeau Obituary

Published by Daily Progress on Sep. 8, 2010.
Ron Rhondeau

June 27, 1935 -September 2, 2010

Exactly four months after his diagnosis of and brave battle against the most aggressive form of brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme, Ron Rhondeau passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2010, at the University of Virginia Medical Center.

Ron was born on June 27, 1935, in Bronx, New York, the son of Jack and Rosella Rhondeau, and grew up in Pocatello, Idaho, where he attended school and graduated from Idaho State University. He married the love of his life, Carolyn, on October 31, 1958, with whom he spent 51 happy years. They moved to Napa, California, in 1969, where they reared their sons Steven, Lamont, and Christopher.

During his life, Ron worked as a painter in Pocatello, and spent time before his marriage in the United States Army. But he will be fondly remembered by those who were his students and colleagues, as a teacher in the Napa Valley Unified School District for 32 years excelling primarily in teaching mathematics and coaching at Redwood Middle School. He was a natural teacher, possessing a rare blend of discipline, humor, and unusual common sense, and his students thrived under his tutelage.

His greatest legacy, however, will always be his family. He reared his sons with integrity, and was a constant and sure example of sacrifice and diligence. But his most important gift to them was one of unconditional love and his unremitting attention and optimism in their lives. These attributes are seen everyday in the lives his children now try to lead in honor of him. He was a real man in a world that has too few examples of the deeper meaning of that phrase.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; and his sons, Dr. Steven Rhondeau and his wife, Susan, of Salt Lake City, Utah; Lamont Rhondeau and his wife, Julia, of Crozet, Virginia; Christopher Rhondeau of Washington, D.C.; and seven grandchildren, Elizabeth, Olivia, Naomi, Daniel, Madeleine, Nathaniel, and Lucas. His three brothers, one sister, and a sister in-law, also survive Ron. He had many nieces, nephews, and loving friends and neighbors with whom he enjoyed and loved spending time.

Final arrangements were by the Anderson Funeral Home of Crozet, Virginia.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.

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September 29, 2024

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September 17, 2010

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September 15, 2010

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6 Entries

Timmy "The Fonz" Hanf

September 29, 2024

I was lucky to know Ron from his teaching years when I attended Redwood Middle School from 1993 to 1995, he & I were on first name basis & I'm glad to have a wonderful friendship with him after I left Redwood in 1995, he was a true mentor & loyal & made me a close friend to him before he moved to Virginia, he (Ron) will be missed & I miss him terribly. I know he's been gone for 14 years, his memory will always be with me. Thanks for the friendship Ron, I will never forget you & your friendship.

September 17, 2010

DEAR RHONDEAU FAMILY,
I was fortunate enought to know Ron as a fellow teacher, friend, and parent of his boys who I taught and worked with at Northwood School.
I remember them well as outstanding citizens and students who went on to great things. I knew that Ron and his wife Carolyn were always there for them and Ron always kept in touch with me about their progress. He was a fine man who was an example to all who knew him of what being a teacher and father was all about.
I remember him well.

John Callison
Napa

Sue Lambrix

September 15, 2010

Dear Carolyn & family,
What wonderful memories I have of Ron. My 1st years teaching school were in the room next to him at Dee T. Davis. He was my example and mentor. I remember, Carolyn, you bringing Christopher to school one day to see daddy when he was just barely walking. I feel blessed to have known Ron
Sue Lambrix
Napa

Josie (Wilcoxson) Paul

September 11, 2010

Dear Mrs. Rhondeau,

It is with great sadness that I have learned of Mr. Rhondeau's passing. My fondest memories of Brown's Valley Elementary School include Mr. Rhondeau. While I was not fortunate enough to have had him as a teacher, he was and continues to be a role model and great example for so many, especially me. I personally can thank him for teaching me the finer points of a clean and organized garage. Mine is the envy of many. And it was Mr. Rhondeau, who taught me how to raise healthy, successful children through his amazing example of love and support and most importantly, unconditional love of his own children/family. I relished the stories he would tell of his sons' successes and how they were accomplished. Always a teacher, as he shared and celebrated these moments and memories of great joy, he taught me how to be the type of parent I wanted to be. He has changed many lives, including mine, and made this world a better place.

I wish you and your family love and comfort during this difficult time and pray that Mr. Rhondeau rests in eternal peace.

Billie & John Milne

September 7, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Mardean Duckworth

September 7, 2010

What a wonderful tribute you've written describing Ron's life! We are so sorry that he is no longer physically with you but have no doubt he will live on in the memories of at least three generations. May you find comfort that you did everything possible to cure him and to make his last months as comfortable and meaningful as possible.
Sincerely with love to you, Carolyn,
Chick and Mardean

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