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Ronald Combs Obituary
Ron enjoyed many other passions. He was a voracious reader, especially of the Revolutionary War and the novels of Norah Lofts. He pursued studying Italian, French, Russian, and German. He loved translating foreign language songs and whole operas into English.
Ron had a vivid imagination and wrote many librettos, poems, and short stories. One short story he started as a birthday present for the daughter of a student became the children's book "The Remarkable Adventure of Princess Fu Xiao", which later inspired his opera of the same name. This was set to premier in April 2020, but unfortunately, was canceled a couple of weeks before its opening due to the Covid shutdown.
He deeply cared about others. Many people have referred to him as their mentor. He lent a willing ear and regularly offered encouragement and support to students as well as friends, coworkers and acquaintances.
He is survived by his spouse Daniel Kane, his niece Ellen Frasca of Columbus, Ohio, and his extended family, Kevin Peterson and Eduardo Narvaez.
A celebration of life service is being planned.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Combs
Michael
June 12, 2025
Wonderful voice teacher.. gifted person.
David Scott
June 28, 2024
Ron was the only voice teacher I ever had who really knew what he was doing. He was also deeply kind and supportive.
David Scott
Dr. Warren Fremling
April 3, 2024
It has been my practice to try and tell people who have had a positive effect on my life what they have done for me. We are all on loan, and that loan may be called due at any time. It's imperative we tell others. I never studied with Ron, never sang his music or attended a class conducted by him. He directed me in two operas in the founding years of the Chicago Opera Theater - "Cosi fan tutte" (Alfonso), and "The Marriage of Figaro" (Figaro). After a rehearsal of the latter, he gave me some advice that saved me emotionally in many ways. I have paid him back often by helping others as he helped me. After many years, we reconnected - maybe two years before his passing. I told him how much what he had done meant to me, and that I had helped others along the way as he had helped me. It was a wonderful "e-mail" reunion, for which I am grateful. A remarkable man, I am most thankful our paths crossed once upon a time, and then, recently. Rest in Peace, Ron - thanks again.
Dr. Warren Fremling
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Anne Schwartz
April 2, 2024
I took voice lessons from Ron in the late 70's. I was playing in a band at the time and showed up to his place in the Edgewater area for a 9 am lesson on a Saturday. I hadn't gotten much sleep having played into the wee hours the night before. I started warming up and he looks at me and says, "Go home and go back to bed, honey." God love him, he knew what was best. He was a terrific vocal coach. I know he will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
Anne Schwartz
Pamela Valentine
April 2, 2024
Such a wonderful part of my daughter´s life - and mine as well. Will never forget the talent, care, and dedication Ron and Dan gave during voice lessons, recitals, and recommendations. Much love and respect to Ron´s memory.
Patricia Jean Deckert
February 6, 2024
Admiration, respect and deep love for being my musical mentor, colleague and beloved friend.
Kathy Sommers
January 25, 2024
Ron Combs was my first formal music teacher at Round Lake High School in 1964. My nun in Catholic School started me performing and Ron encouraged me to continue. The world, my world, was a better place with him in it, even if I had not seen nor heard of him since college. But he was always there - I told stories about him and the chorus, Li'l Abner and what he taught me.
Mark Sherkow
January 23, 2024
I first met Ron when I was a singer in the Windy City Gay Chorus and Ron did a couple of great vocal workshops with us. Ron did some guest solos with our chorus and also a fabulous and very memorable version of the patter song from Don Pasquale with his partner Dan and their roommate Kevin, and Ron later served as interim director of our sister chorus Unison for a concert or two. Windy City also sang a three movement piece that Ron wrote for chorus, harp and flute, which included a beautiful version of the love between Jonathan and David in the Bible. Then, I started voice lessons with Dan in the wonderful home that Ron, Dan and Kevin shared. It was always wonderful to see and sometimes talk with Ron before my lesson with Dan. Then I got to know Ron at Northeastern Illinois University, where I first sang in NEIU's College-Community Chorus, and then worked at NEIU for 10 years in the office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Ron was on my Christmas card list for many years and sometimes would call me to thank me for the cards. Ron was a top voice teacher and a wonderful sweet person, and I will miss him dearly.
Venetia Stifler
January 22, 2024
A lovely obituary. Ron was a dear friend, co-worker, teacher who cannot be replaced. I will miss him. Ron, thank you for your friendship, and vocal coaching. I love you.
Daniel C Ng
January 21, 2024
Closed friend and dearest teacher. Ron was the most nurturing teacher I ever had. I will miss him and our time together for a very long time to come.
Robin
January 21, 2024
I met Ron through my vocal coach, Dan Kane. Ron was always a very kind, smart and accomplished music teacher. I truly admired him and I will miss him very much. He always had a big, sweet smile when I walked in the room. I'll truly miss his smile. I can only believe that he's in Heaven conducting a choir of Angels, smiling knowing they'll sound perfect when he's through with them. Love you, Ron.... Yours truly, Robin
Kerima Brattland
January 21, 2024
Ron was our first client at Senior Helpers North Side Chicago. While we serviced Ron over the last year, there was one assignment that my daughter and I personally took. This was a great opportunity to practice my Italian with Ron and gave us an opportunity to get to know Dan and Ron and spend time hearing about how they met, their love for music, theater, and more importantly each other. There are many evenings where we had a chance to sit and chat and just take all the delightful conversations. We now considered Ron and Dan friends. Over the last couple of months while Ron was in and out of the hospital, all of his caregivers admired, and really enjoyed working for Ron. They were deeply concerned about his health. We are saddened to lose such a dear friend. Ron was unique, loving, supportive, positive, talented and all around amazing human being. He was our biggest cheerleader and wanted our business to do well. He was a great supporter. We will miss Ron dearly, he will always be in our hearts. Ciao Ron
Joyce Delneky
January 21, 2024
Wonderful memories. So sad that more can´t be made
Joy Delneky
Kristyn Spangler
January 21, 2024
Sending peace and comfort to all who love Ron.
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