Ronald J. Kandel

Ronald J. Kandel, of Canton, passed away peacefully at his home on October 6, 2025. Born on December 22, 1954, to the late John Jay and Mildred M. (Zink) Kandel.
Ron is survived by his two daughters, Cassandra (Trevor) Talafous and Kristina (Nathan) Lockwood, and his four cherished grandchildren: Carlee, Ella, Elise, and Wyatt.
Ron was the oldest of eight and is also survived by his loving siblings: Dale (Gail) Kandel, Mike (Shirley) Kandel, Carl (Sherri) Kandel, Carolyn (Dan) Wagner, Jeanette (Bret) Clark, Wally (Diane) Kandel, and Kay (Tim) Barney.
He will be deeply missed by numerous family and friends including his companion, Jennifer.
Ron graduated from Louisville High School in 1973, where he played football, basketball and wrestled. He proudly served his country in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
After returning home, Ron worked in construction, often alongside his brothers Dale and Carl building homes throughout the area. He later joined his father's business, Kandel & Kandel Heating, eventually taking it over. If you ever rode in the car with Ron, he would point out nearly every house he'd worked on, sharing stories about what he did there and who he worked with.
Ron loved country drives, days at the lake, and diving into history, especially World War II. He was a loyal Cleveland sports fan and a faithful reader of the sports section, particularly during baseball's spring training. Above all, his greatest joy came from spending time with his daughters and grandchildren, who meant the world to him.
A proud veteran, Ron was an active member of American Legion Post 548 in Louisville, Ohio, where he found camaraderie and purpose among fellow servicemen and women.
Known for his humor, boisterous laugh, warmth, and storytelling, Ron was the best dad, grandpa, brother, and friend anyone could ask for. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 11, from 12:00–2:00 p.m. at American Legion Post 548, 925 W Saint Louis Ct., Louisville, OH 44641. A private final send off with full military honors will take place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a later date.