Ronald Allan Athey

Nov. 18, 1935 - Jan. 14, 2011
SOUTH BEND - Ronald A. Athey, 75, of South Bend, IN, passed away on January 14, 2011, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. Ron was born on November 18, 1935, in Detroit, MI, to Carl Lynden and Mary Kalierta Athey, both of whom have preceded him in death along with a brother, Carl L. Athey Jr. Ron is survived by his wife, Marjorie (Pattee); daughter, Sharon (Mark) Cloghessy of Western Springs, IL; sons, James P. (Amy) Athey of Eden Prairie, MN, and David A. Athey of Ft. Wayne, IN; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Kaylee Cloghessy, Brian and Jeff Athey. On June 18, 1960, Ron married Marjorie Pattee of Grosse Pointe, MI. who he had met at a Gourmet Dinner Dance at Michigan State University. In 1999 Ron retired from the University of Notre Dame as Assistant Food Service Director. In addition to overseeing many of the food operations, he designed and supervised the installation of many of the University's food service operations, including the football stadium. Upon retiring, he formed Athey & Associates, a food service design consulting firm specializing in stadium, arena and dining services. Upon graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in hotel and restaurant management, Ron rejoined the J.L. Hudson Co. in Detroit, MI, where he had apprenticed for five years before entering college. After graduation, he served as manager of the downtown store and branch stores operations and was responsible for training future managers. He eventually became divisional manager of all food service, bakery, pantry, candy kitchen and retail operations. After leaving J.L. Hudson's, Ron was employed as Food Service Director of Woodward & Lothrop in Washington, DC, owner of the English Muffin Restaurant in Alexandria, VA, Regional Food Service Director of Macy's Department Stores Midwest, and Director of Operations Three Chefs Specialty Restaurants. Ron was involved with or recognized in the following organizations: Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, Masonic Lodge, Executive Director and founder of the National Association of Collegiate Concessionaires, Food Service Consulting Society, President of the Clay High School Booster Club, United Way committee member, National Restaurant Association, Committee Chair for the Boy Scouts of America - 31 years, recommended for Silver Beaver award, and the Epicureans Chefs Association, MI, recognized by the J.L. Hudson Co. and City of Detroit for developing a "Hard Core Employable" training program, and was the first to employ African-Americans in a food service department. Donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 314 W. Catalpa #F, Mishawaka, IN 46545. A hospitality gathering will be held at a later date. "In my Father's home are many rooms. I go there to prepare a place for you." John 14:2 To send condolences to the family, please visit www.mcgann.com.