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Ronald Sales Obituary
Ronald Sales, 71, of West Palm Beach died shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Medical Center. On Sept. 12, the taxi he was riding in struck a pole on Congress Avenue near West Palm Beach. The Yellow Cab driver also died in the crash, which remains under investigation.
After nearly 50 years of practicing law, Mr. Sales was widely considered one of the county's most influential divorce lawyers.
"When women get into disputes with their husbands, they're usually more vulnerable," Mr. Sales told The Palm Beach Post in 1997. "I like to represent the underdog."
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Sales
28 Entries
Rowan Sales
October 5, 2014
I miss you to this very day, Grandpapa. I love you.
- Rowan A. Sales
Babette Haggerty
September 15, 2012
Although Ronnie has been gone a few years now, I still think of him often. I loved that man! I met him when he hired me to train his dog. My first meeting, he was very tough on me but then quickly softened. As he acquired more dogs for himself and his clients, our friendship grew. I had "heard" he had a tough reputation but the Ronnie I knew was loving, kind and generous. He was so proud of his children and adored them and his dogs. He is one man I will never forget and I wish that I got to visit with him, just one more time.
Michael Tanner
May 8, 2009
Through his toughness exterior, Ronald had a big heart. I met him in 93 and we became instant friends through arguments and laughter. I watch him give his knowledge,time and money to many people in need and never asked for a single favor in return. He is and will be missed forever.
Richard Shugarman
November 9, 2005
I don't need to tell you what a unique man Ron was.
He was devoted to his profession and truly defines the term"advocate".No one fought harder or more tirelesly than Ron for a good cause or client. Let the chips fall where they may.
He was always thought of as one of the brightest men in the courtroom.
I must tell you that whenever I was with him, he most enjoyed talking about his children. When I think of my own father, I know Ron was very much like him; it was probably hard for him to express his feelings or emotions toward you.Simply stated, when asked, he found it much easier to speak of his love and affection of his children than he probably did seeing you face to face.
There probably will never be another Ronnie Sales and he certainly left his mark on those of us that were priveledged to know him. It is times like these that the prophets say to reflect upon the good times that we are priveleged to share with our loved ones.
Yours truly,
Richard G. Shugarman, MD,FACS
Jon Stoll
November 7, 2005
I first met Ronnie over 25 years ago. He dated my late sister briefly, and we bumped into each other at airports and around town. He was always considerate and we had great conversations. I am very sorry to hear about his passing, and wish his family well in the future.
JIM DOUGHERTY
November 4, 2005
ANY FLORIDA ATTORNEY WHO TRIED A CASE WITH RONNIE AS CO-COUNSEL,OR ESPECIALY IF RONNIE WAS YOUR OPPONET KNEWTHAT HE WASTHE STANDARD ,THE LIVING MODEL,OF WHAT IT MEANT TO TAKE THE OATH AS A FLORIDA ATTORNEY TOTAALY HONEST,PREPARED,COMMITTED ,COURAGEOUS, AND COMPASSIONANATE. RONNIE DID NOT TOLERATE PETTY OR VINDICTIVE JUDGES OR FOOLS. THE BEST TRIBUTE TO HIS LEGACY IS TO ASK HIS ADVERSARIES AND ENEMIES IF THEY HAD TO GO THROUGH THE WHOLE TRIAL OVER AGAIN ,WHO WOULD THEY PICK AS THEIR LAWYER ...EVERYONE WOULD SAY THAT NASTY ,BRILLANT SCHOLAR RONNIE GOD BLESS YOU RONNIE SALES AS A MAN AND TRIAL LAWYER ALWAYS PROUD YOU CALLED ME YOUR IRISH FRIEND JIM DOUGHERTY
Sandy Perez
November 1, 2005
I was deeply saddened to hear of his death. I had the pleasure of working for Mr. Sales for a brief time. I also attended a Halloween party of his at his home in which I got to see the fun,loving side of him. My condolences to his family. He will be truly missed by all that knew him.
Joy Shearer
October 12, 2005
I was very sorry to hear of Ronnie Sales' death. He was an outstanding attorney and will be missed.
Robyn Levy Crist
October 8, 2005
I met Ron Sales through the industry, like many. His expertise and knowledge was always unsurpassed. I will always remember him asking for cottage cheese and crackers and then drilling "the husband of the hour"! And all the while respected by all.
Philip D. Lewis
October 5, 2005
We extend our deepest sympathy to Mr. Sales' family.
Neal & Arleen Colvin
October 5, 2005
Arleen and I are grateful that we had a chance about four months ago to remind and to thank Ronnie for all of his generosity and kindnesses so many years ago when I was a green, thoroughly inept associate attorney of his and Arleen had our first child, Julia. It is a reminder to honor people while they are alive.
He was, and will always be, impressive. The Bar is a smaller place now.
To David, Nancy and Elizabeth, we are sorry for your loss.
CLIFFORD & MARYANNE O'DONNELL
October 5, 2005
WE GO BACK MANY YEARS WITH MANY HAPPY MEMORIES. OUR HEARTS & PRAYERS GO TO YOUR FAMILY, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. GOD BLESS YOU.
THE ENTIRE O'DONNELL FAMILY
Rebecca Lipford Huffman
October 5, 2005
I had the blessing, the privilege and the pleasure of knowing the softer, gentler, lighter side of Mr. Sales. For all of those attributes and so many more, he will be missed.
Tammy DeRooy
October 4, 2005
I send my sincere sympathies to all of the Sales family members. Mr. Sales was my divorce attorney and therefore he was my best friend. He was definitely the largest orchestra of knowledge to cross my path of life. One night while having dinner with Mr. Sales, I felt like we had made a voyage around the world and we never left the table. Until we meet again!
Matt Miller
October 3, 2005
Ronnie was a great friend and will be greatly missed. My wife Karen and I extend our deepest, heartfelt sympathies to Ronnie's son, David and the rest of the Sales family. We know there is nothing we can say or do that will help to explain or justify why things happen the way they do, or that will make your hurt and pain less. We know the loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Goodbye old friend.
Tammy Bowen
October 3, 2005
If he was your lawyer, he was your best friend, if he was your wife's lawyer he was your worst enemy. But ultimately - and finally - respected by all. I don't think he ever had a strictly professional relationship, because he was such a Friend to those he respected, professionally and personally. I knew he would never really retire - it was the source that kept his blood warm and made his heart skip a beat with each new and exciting case. His legacy - To protect and fight for justice for those weakened by good-love-gone-bad, to challenge those he worked with to dig for their personal best, and even more importantly, to provide a soft landing place for friends and family who always knew he was there when they needed him - I know has touched too many lives to number. Rest in Peace Mr. Sales - Well Done.
Kim Huffman
October 3, 2005
I had the pleasure of knowing and working for Ronnie for almost three years. He was a kind man with a big heart. My sympathies and love go out to his whole family and his closest friends. He will forever be missed and never be forgotten.
Thomas Yeager
October 3, 2005
Ronnie was a friend, a colleague and a worthy adversary. He will be sorely missed.
Gigi Koslow-Murray
October 3, 2005
I worked for Mr. Sales several years ago. Not only was he a great lawyer but he was a kind man with a big heart. I will miss him.
Craig Sapenoff
October 3, 2005
I had the pleasure of knowing Ron Sales both professionally and personally. Recently, I had been meeting him and his dog for coffee about 2 times a week in the morning at Einstein Bagel. I offer condolensces to his family and the knowledge of another who will sorely miss him.
gregory scott
October 3, 2005
a true legend in divorce law.
Lisa Kleinschmidt
October 3, 2005
There will never be another Ronnie Sales. He was the epitomy of what being a lawyer was all about. Vigilant and with hunger as if every case was his first. Ronnie was also the kindest soul I have ever met. He gave hope when it was lost, he gave strength when it was needed and he was always there if you needed a friend. I had the pleasure of knowing Ronnie both as a lawyer and as a dear friend, he is greatly missed, but will always live on in many lives that he has touched. Good-bye my friend.
Tony Hollis
October 2, 2005
An Attorney's Attorney, Intellectual amongst Intellects, Loved by Lovers and Friends, Proud of his Children and Family, Amazing Judge of Character, Mesmerizing Story Teller, the Ability to focus in on complicated matters with a Genius Resolve, Kind and Caring to people in need, A Sportsman, A Winner in life, A Credit to the "Field of Law", Feared by his Adversaries, a True Success Story, and a Sincere Gentleman; For me though, Ronnie, you were simple a great friend to be around. I will sorely miss you. You will always be an inspiration.
Barbara Mazzola Clouser
October 2, 2005
I worked and retired from a fine chain of Couture shops, one of which was located in Palm Beach. Along with my employer we consulted and engaged Mr.Sales on several occasions.The sweetest thing he ever done, was when I called upon him to represent a friend of mine, a single Mom, who's twin boys were involved in an accident, and needed legal assistance. He never asked how or why, he just came to the hospital and took over. What a wonderful human being, it was my pleasure to know him. He will be greatly missed....
Mario G. de Mendoza III
October 2, 2005
Mr. Sales was a friend as well as kind at a time when I needed kindness. I will miss him.
Lou Alfonso
October 2, 2005
He was a credit to the Bar, professional, well prepared and someone you could learn from. He will be missed.
Clark Smith
October 2, 2005
Beneath his crusty exterior beat a heart of gold. One of the, if not the finest attorneys I ever dealt with. His ability to distill a case and to cross-examine were not equaled in my experience. Brutally honest in attitude, beautiful finesse in the law. I will miss him.
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