Ronald L. Golightley

1956 - 2023

News story
By Mark Zaborney
Blade Staff Writer

Ronald D. Golightley, a leader in his Sons of the American Legion unit, who became fiscal officer of Wood County's Freedom Township after retiring from a career with the Ohio Turnpike, died Sunday in Ayden Healthcare, Waterville. He was 66.

The cause was complications of a stroke suffered in November, 2021, his wife, Janet Golightley, said.

Township trustees appointed Mr. Golightley in 2014 to complete the term of fiscal officer David Gerwin, who had died. Among those interviewed for the post, "Ron stood out as someone who was going to take the bull by the horns and run with the job," said Kent Schuerman, now chairman of the trustees.

Mr. Golightley ran successfully in 2015 for a four-year term. He was unsuccessful in his 2019 re-election bid.

The fiscal officer, being elected independently, has the authority "to have a role and have a voice in how local government operates," Mr. Schuerman said. "He was a very passionate individual, passionate about his job. I can't say enough good about him.

"It's being a member of a team with the three trustees," he said. "Ron was not originally from the community. He became an important part of the community."

Mr. Golightley was dedicated to the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 183, affiliated with the legion post in Pemberville. His leadership roles included serving as commander. He eagerly volunteered for activities, including the golf cart raffle at the annual Pemberville Free Fair, with proceeds benefiting charity.

"He was a personable, likable guy," Mrs. Golightley said. "He liked being part of a group that said, 'Yes, we contributed.'"

His son, Andy, added: "He liked the sense of community in Pemberville and pretty much knew everybody. He cared about people."

Mr. Golightley joined other squadron members in helping to coordinate summer tournaments featuring teams from across the United States and Canada at the legion's ballpark. The tradition of the ballpark resonated with him.

"It's a good tradition," said Sam Black, Squadron first vice commander. "Ron was a big Cleveland Indians fan, and he liked baseball, and there was a lot of camaraderie between us guys who were out there doing stuff."

Mr. Golightley was a 30-year employee of the Ohio Turnpike Commission, retiring in 2014 as senior toll collector, and oversaw the Elmore and Fremont gates.

During his career, he worked at turnpike gates from Swanton to the Cleveland area. As senior collector, he trained new employees and was praised for "how thorough and patient he was in that capacity," Mrs. Golightley said. "He was well-known and well-liked.

"He took great pride that in 30 years of work, he missed zero days because of weather," she said. "He might have been late, but he knew he was depended on."

A longtime bowler, he took part in the United States Bowling Congress seniors tournament in 2015 in Wisconsin. He often read two or three books at a time - David Baldacci and James Patterson were favorite authors - and he was a regular patron of the Pemberville Public Library.

He was born Dec. 22, 1956, at what is now Mercy Health St. Charles Hospital in Oregon to Charlotte and Thomas Golightley. He grew up in East Toledo and was a 1974 graduate of Macomber Vocational High School.

Surviving are his wife, the former Janet Kurfess, whom he married Sept. 16, 1983; son, Andy Golightley; sister, Debby Bayes, and a grandson.

Family and friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. Friday at the Marsh & Marsteller Funeral Home, Luckey. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with visitation after 10 a.m. The family asks that attendees wear a mask.

The family suggests tributes to the Ability Center, abilitycenter.org/donate/.