Ronald Filip

Ronald Milan Filip, 83, a resident of Scottsdale for the past six years, passed away peacefully on the morning of Nov. 30, 2025. Ronald was born to Milan and Mildred Filip on Mar. 4, 1942, in Chicago, Ill., the older of two children.
Life took an early dramatic turn for "Ronnie" while he was attending college at the University of Illinois. Two close relatives personally informed him on campus that his father, Milan, had suddenly passed away due to a heart attack. The news was devastating, as the larger-than-life Milan was a powerful fatherly and community figure, and a savvy businessman as the owner of a tool and dye company.
Having to take on the unforeseen responsibilities of looking after his mother, "Mitzi," and younger sister, Joanne, Ronnie transferred to DePaul University in Chicago, where he completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Commerce in 1964.
The next significant event in Ronnie's life occurred when a mutual friend reintroduced him to a childhood acquaintance, Delilah Wagner, whom he married on June 4, 1966.
Two sons, Deron and Dean, were born to Ron and Delilah in 1967 and 1969, respectively. Ron, an ardent fan of Deron's participation in sports and Dean's love of music, provided his boys with an unrivaled childhood, with his exceptional love and support continuing through their adult years.
Not long after the births of his sons, Ron sold his father's business and made the life-changing decision to become a Commodities Trader on the Chicago Board of Trade in 1972. He became a dominant force in the wheat pit, where he spent most of his fifteen years as a floor trader.
The newfound success allowed him to move his small family to the charming town of Long Grove, located in Chicago's northwest suburbs. Family vacations became frequent events during those years, from the Florida Keys to Hawaii to an unforgettable spring break excursion along California's coast.
But it was a short trip in 1976 by Ron and Delilah to the little-known vacation destination of Arizona that would eventually have a permanent impact on the Filips. Through subsequent visits, the family fell in love with their newly discovered gem in the southwest, vacationing there frequently and eventually relocating to the desert.
For most of his life, Ron was a huge sports fan, backing Chicago's teams through years of futility. His allegiances, however, shifted to Arizona's growing list of professional organizations. Toward the end of his life, it was the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Cardinals that commanded most of his attention.
Although not a member of the Chicago Board of Trade any longer, Ron still maintained his passion for trading in his retirement years as an online day trader from the comforts of his own home.
Ronald was preceded in death by his wife, Delilah; and his parents, Milan and Mildred. He is survived by his sons, Deron and Dean; sister, Joanne; nieces, Carrie and Carla; and nephew, Justin (Tabbie).
Ronald will be laid to rest at a private graveside service for family on Monday afternoon at Paradise Memorial Gardens in Scottsdale.