Ronald Solano

1954 - 2013

Ronald Solano obituary, 1954-2013, Modesto, CA

BORN

1954

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry Chapel

1050 McHenry Avenue

Modesto, California

Ronald Solano Obituary

Ronald Abe Solano
June 9, 1954 - April 4, 2013
Our beloved "Ragtime Ron" passed into the hands of our Lord on April 4, 2013, after succumbing to a major heart attack on March 25.
Ron was born in Los Angeles on June 9, 1954, to Abraham Solano, Jr. and Marlene Wilson. He attended local schools, graduating from Davis High and continuing his education at MJC and The University of Nevada at Reno.
After working for Nestlé Foods as a Sr. Sales Rep, bartending school in Las Vegas led Ron to the Port Allen Bar & Grill in Kauai, HI., bar manager at the Turlock Golf & Country Club, and to the high-end Zephyr Grill and Bar in Livermore.  Here, Ron was in his element.  Skills in management and as a sommelier gave him the opportunity to excercise his comedic side and use of props to entertain customers.  That was Ron. Still crazy after all these years. Also, while working there, Ron spent 15 years as a CIF Wrestling Official for high schools throughout California. "If not for Coach (Dan) Gonsalves, I never would have pursued the idea of being an official for wrestling. At certain events, we laughed and talked about old times. He was a great mentor who really made a difference in my life."
One of Ron's greatest achievements was completing a World Cup Ironman Triathlon at the age of 40 while in Las Vegas.  Considered a "gear head," Ron loved muscle cars, and his dream was to finish restoring his 1967 Olds 442. Lastly, we remember Ron as a guy who kept in touch with his childhood friends and his buddies at Davis High, especially the "D's Boys."  (If truth be known, that name came from a rinky-dink little bar out McHenry where a bunch from Davis High hung out.)
Ron is survived by his wife, Janine; children, Matthew Solano and Christina Marko of Austin, TX, and Arthur (Brandi) Solano of Clarkston, WA.; step-daughter, Breanne Montieth of Modesto; mother, Marlene Wilson of Modesto; sister, Debbie Callas of Riverbank and brother, John Rios of Seattle, WA; his three granddaughters, Natalie and Julia Solano, and Nevaeh Montieth. He was preceded in death by his father, Abraham Solano, Jr. and his baby brother, Douglas Solano.
As a comedian, Ron could have made a lot of money, but he made a lot of friends instead.  A light has gone out in the hearts of all who knew him.
As a way of explanation, Ron had made special plans for his mother's birthday the end of June, making it necessary to delay any services. Therefore, visitation will be June 28th at Franklin & Downs McHenry Chapel, 1050 McHenry Ave from 4-7 PM, with rosary at 6:00, and a Celebration of Life Memorial Service on Saturday, June 29th, at 11:00 AM.
Please remember to share your memories in Ron's guestbook.
 
www.cvobituaries.com

Published by Modesto Bee on Apr. 17, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Nota moment goes by, even in my sleep that I don't think about you,
love you and miss you so terribly...
I will be with you soon. Wait for me.

October 15, 2016

Happy 62nd birthday, brother! Thinking of your 4th missed birthday celebration, but know that you're probably celebrating with the rest of the family up there!
When I miss you most, I play the video that I put together for your service. It never ceases to bring a smile to my face. You're a classic, just like the cars you loved so much!
This photo to remember how much you loved your wrestling tournaments.
Love and miss you!!! XOXO

Sis

June 9, 2016

Happy Birthday, my son! How I wish you could be here so we could celebrate your 61st birthday together with all of the family! I think of you throughout the day, every single day! The tears and regrets never cease! You were the best son a mother could have! Half Albert Einstein and half Mickey Mouse meant great conversations and loads of laughter! I miss sitting on the front lawn after you mowed and just catching up, and cracking up over yard and estate finds! So many memories Your face, your laughter, your goodness will remain in my heart until the last beat! "Love always." mom

June 9, 2015

Happy 61st birthday, Ron! So much has happened since God called you home.
I really miss hearing your voice, but Matthew does the perfect imitation, which always makes me smile!
I pray you'll have a wonderful birthday celebration with Dad, baby Doug, Grandma & Gramps and, now, Great Aunt Mary. What a party that will be!!
I love you, little brother. In my heart, you'll always remain.

Sis

June 9, 2015

Where has the time gone?...still miss your smile and laughter. I still hear your voice on those dark days when I miss you talking to me and saying, "Be like a small child living in the present and without a worry" Smile and Be Happy every day". I'am always with you in spirit!

Karon

April 12, 2015

April 12, 2015

April 12, 2015

Happy Birthday Dad! Today you are the big 60 ! I think of you every day and I'm so thankful to know you are by my side more than ever! I am celebrating for you today! I love you every day, cherish our great memories, and know I will see you one day! Happy Birthday Dad! Love you!

Matthew Solano

June 9, 2014

Dad,

Its been a year since you went away. The pain is still so fresh. I cry so much and find myself wailing even at times. I'm strong with the family and in private I still am weak. Please continue to do what your doing for me. I have read your journals. I understand. I have all my pieces to the puzzle! Thanks!

Dad I love you so much and I am so thankful for having you for 35 years!

My love for you always Pop! For you are finally at peace!

Matthew Solano

April 5, 2014

"On angels wings you were taken,
But, in my heart you'll stay;
And in God's arms you will rest,
Until we meet again some day."

It's hard to believe it's been a year. We all miss you so very much!
Thankfully, your creative, funny answering machine messages provide the voice we need to hear when the times get toughest.
Your love light surrounds us daily and will forever remain in our hearts.
I love you, little brother! ??

Sis

April 4, 2014

My Brother

The ragtime -- the rag bone. Worn, faded, slightly torn but never broken. You fell from time to time but got up again with a smile, a joke, and a spring in your step.
…and danced when you heard that trumpet call.

My Brother

The storyteller, comedian, fixer, fighter, dreamer…sojourner.
My beloved renaissance man, you will never be forgotten.

I will look for you at the garage sales,
the bar,
the car shows,
the park where you watched your nephew run and play.
I will look for you when it's my time--
I'll listen for your laughter, and reach for your hand.
The one that held me steady when my breath was still new.

John Rios

April 4, 2014

It has been almost a year since u have pasted. I can't let u go,, I like to pretend that your on a trip and you'll be home soon!!! The garage still smells like u ,it's hard to go in there ,,I miss u,, I even miss ur very long stories u used to tell !!! Thank you for being such a good papa to my daughter Nevaeha, she loves u so much !!! We miss u everyday RON!!!

Breanne monteith

March 11, 2014

October 27, 2013

My deepest condolences go out to all of your family, friends, and loved ones who no longer have you in their lives. You will be missed.

Janet Yuen

October 13, 2013

Ron,
How dare you go and leave us so soon. We had many more adventures in life to find and explore..We will all miss your smile, jokes,love of family,god and life...I know you are in a better place and looking down upon our lives. As you told me many,many times, keep smiling...things will get better and I am always here if you need me. Just call my name.
Love Always,
Karon Ybarra

August 22, 2013

Ron and I spent many happy times together..will love him always! Karon

Karon Ybarra

August 21, 2013

Such a nice guy with a great sense of humor and always smiling... He will be missed. Condolences

Luisa Barragan

June 29, 2013

I am sorry to learn of Ron's passing. Ron was a great part of out class of 1973 at Grace Davis High.

Rick Duffy

June 26, 2013

Sorry for your loss Matt. My condolences go out to all your family and his friends.

Alethea Flores

June 25, 2013

Our condolences are with you Matt, and your family. We are always here for you.
Love Katie and Dan

Katie Coonan

June 21, 2013

Marlene and all of your family, we pray to God that your son Rest in Peace and that he continue to give all of you strength thru all this sadness. Ron will be missed by you Debbie and John and other family memebers.Ron will never be forgotten by all the family and friends that loved him.
God Bless all of you.

Raul & Gracie Ortega

June 18, 2013

As an original member of the Dee's Boys, I can relate to Ron's memories of those guys. For some reason, Ron popped into my head tonight and I decided to look him up. I was overwhelmed when I discovered his obituary. Ron, don't think that someone you haven't seen in 40 years doesn't remember you and appreciate you because I certainly do. Rest in peace.

John Kreeger

May 20, 2013

As one of the original "Dee's Boys" I remember Ron as funny guy and a good friend. He took my side when controversy occurred. I haven't spoken to Ron or and of the other Dee's Boys in nearly 40 years, but for some reason popped into my head tonight and I was saddened to find his obituary. I'll never forget him.

John Kreeger

May 20, 2013

I had the pleasure to work with Ron at Turlock Golf & CC & knowing that we were on the same shift made it fun! Rons smile, his laugh & his sincere passion for his family & friends were above all else. I haven't seen Ron for many years but hearing of his passing affected me more than I thought it might..suppose that is a testimony to the kind of man Ron was & how he touched me & others and made a difference. My deepest sympathies to Ron's family, suppose now it's Rons turn to pray for all those he has left behind. Until we meet again, RIP my friend.

Evelyn Thies

May 9, 2013

May 7, 2013

May 7, 2013

I have known Ron since I was a kid. I remember when he would pull up to his mom's house in some cool car and we would have to check it out. Over the last several years, I have enjoyed visiting with him at various wrestling tournaments. I am saddened by his loss.

Brian Ferguson

April 26, 2013

My condolences and prayers to the Solano family for their loss. May you find peace in knowing he is with our Lord God in heaven.

Teresa Coleman

April 24, 2013

I feel very blessed to have known you Ron when we worked at Turlock Golf & CC at the same time. You always were able to make me smile no matter what chaos was going on in the pro shop! You are truly missed and I will keep your family in my prayers during this difficult time.

Richard McKelvey

April 22, 2013

My condolances to the Solano family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

April 21, 2013

Our sincere condolences to the Solano family & to Ronalds mom Marlene Wilson, our prayers are with you through this difficult time and always
Frank & Dottie Aguilar

April 21, 2013

Ron I'll love you forever. Marlene you gave me the greatest gift when you asked me to be Ron's Godmother. May the peace of the Lord be with all of his family.

Eleanor Garcia

April 20, 2013

Where ever I am, whatever I do, I will always be thinking of you, loving you, missing you, wishing I could hear your voice, laugh, smile or just to have you hold me once again.... I have never ever felt a heartache this strong in my life. All the things left unsaid, all the things we never got to do or make right, through it all I know you loved me and I only hope you know how much I love, love , love you Dad! One day far from now we will be together again.

Christina Marko

April 19, 2013

Christina Solano-Marko

April 19, 2013

Ron, You Know I Love you always and forever, and you and I will see each other soon. God Bless You And Keep You cause I'm not too far away. Never too far away...

April 18, 2013

You finally made it home, Ron... Thank God! Sure do miss you, miss you soooo much, but we'll see each other soon. Love Always, Me.

April 18, 2013

I'm so sorry for your loss. Ronnie was an awesome guy! Mark has many stories of him and Ronnie. Good times, they laughed alot. My heart goes out to you. Ronnie will forever live in many hearts.

Heather Wilson

April 18, 2013

I have always said there are three kinds of people that come in and out of our lives. Most of them we never think about, some we remember from time to time, and a few break our hearts when they leave, and we never forget them. There were a lot of broken hearts in the room the night you left us, but there was also a lot of love. I know you felt it while we held your hands. Rest easy, Ronnie.

Mike

April 18, 2013

I will miss your great laugh and funny jokes. It was my pleasure to referee with you. You had a humor in your personality that most people would love to have. God Bless You.

Bruce Scott

April 18, 2013

Ron was my Brother, and many times throughout my life he was my Father too. It was Ron who showed me how to load a rifle, make a bow from a tree branch, change the crankcase oil...detail a car from top to bottom. These reflect just a tiny part of the man he was and will always be. His lasting impression/lesson is one known by all of us--joke, be goofy, and keep laughing. I will always cherish the times sitting on the couch watching The Three Stooges, riding on the front of his motorcycle, blowing up Nestle product stands, cruising the back roads of Carson City, discussing Life in the early morning hours, late nite burritos from the taco trucks...and laughing. The laughter--his laughter will always keep Ron close to my heart.

john rios

April 18, 2013

To Marlene..I see that Ron had signed the guestbook at Franklin and Downs, and also the guestbook onlin. You must be proud of him! God bless you and the family.
chella

April 18, 2013

to Marlene and family, the Gonsalves family wishes to thank you for your submitted comments about Dan, Ron's coach. We appreciate the thoughts and are very grateful. chella gonsalves

April 18, 2013

April 17, 2013

"Death is no more than passing from one room into another. But there's a difference for me, you know? Because in that other room I shall be able to see"-Helen Keller
I'm glad we got to visit last summer when I was in Modesto. Your spirited voice will live on, at least in my house, in a recording from Christmas of 1980 when you changed the words from "have a cup of cheer" to "have a cup of beer." I hope you get that cup of cheer with Grandpa Solano, he was probably pretty happy to see his son again! I'll look out for Grandma.

April 17, 2013

We have the fondest memories of you and your family. A lot of fun times and laughs. Ron you will truly be missed. May you rest in peace.Our hearts are sad. Rick, Georgia and Lil man (Zephyr family).

April 17, 2013

Ron you were the funniest of all my friends fathers. I will fondly remember you as a happy-go-lucky guy who was also happy to help us kids with things. I will never forget what you taught me in regards to my cars, and I will always find humor in how you laughed at me while cleaning off the crud from my car battery when I thought my car was broken down. If only I could have had a father like you.

I pray that your family is surrounded by love and support during this sad time. I know so many people are pained by the loss of you, a great one-of-a-kind man.

Heidi Smith

April 17, 2013

Marlene and Family ..
Our thoughts and prayer go out to you and all the family !!!!!!!!!

Barb Schoppers

April 17, 2013

Ron, your untimely death will be felt by all of those that held you dear to their heart. May your family and friends find solice in knowing that God was putting together a bouquet and needed just 1 additional beautiful flower to complete his assembly, and he hand selected you. Matt, Deb and Marlene, you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Susan

April 17, 2013

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

margaret marks

April 17, 2013

Heartfelt sympathies to all of Ron's family, especially our dear friend Christina Marko: Sweetpea, you are so much stronger than you know, but that strength will never be overshadowed by the love you share from your heart, which you do in abundance. Even if the words were different, you have to know that your father loved you deeply, and so do we. We love you, Papi & Z

JnZ Blair

April 17, 2013

Ron your presence at the Guerrero gatherings will be deeply missed. Your jokes, your stories, and your laughter made for some unforgettable good times. My condolences to your family.

Liz Dominguez

April 17, 2013

Ron - Just follow your first instinct and you'll find the path that your Grandpa layed down not so long ago - you'll be in good company again soon.

Bryon Hogg

April 17, 2013

May you find comfort and peace in the memories you cherish. With heartfelt condolences to my dear friend Matthew and the rest of the Solano family.

Rex W.

April 17, 2013

To my son...I had you for 58 years, and now, you'll forever be in my broken heart! I shall miss the fun and laughter we shared over the good deals you always found at estate & yard sales! My grief is unbearable, but your many, many friends have rallied around with cards and e-mails to honor you, and that helps me bear my sorrow.You were the greatest son, brilliant, funny and generous, a light in the hearts of all who had a chance to know you. In all your cards to me, you signed, "Love Always." Now, through tears, I sign the same to you, "Love Always."

Mom

April 17, 2013

may this candle shine bright til we meet again up there,

Bonnie Schinigoi

April 17, 2013

to the family of Ron, he will be missed by all that knew him, Right now gramps and him and having a good old time up there watching us all....Ron I will miss you, til we meet again up there take care of mom and dad(gram n gramps) for all of us

Bonnie Schinigoi

April 17, 2013

I'm glad I had the chance to tell you I loved you, bro. I wish we could have continued the journey of fulfilling all the plans we had made.
I miss you greatly, but you're in a place now where you can finally find the peace and happiness you so deserve!

Sis

April 17, 2013

my heart goes ot to rons family for your loss.ron will be missed by lots that knew him.i was privliged to have learned to bartend from ron;he was the best.i will remember you;rip

sarina souza

April 17, 2013

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