Ronald E. Tognoli

Stockton, CA

Aug. 19, 1939 - October 5, 2007

Ronald Tognoli, a native of San Francisco and resident of Stockton for the past 28 years, died at home on Friday, October 5, 2007. The son of Elbi (Babe) and Stella Tognoli, he was born on August 19, 1939. He attended St. Ignatius High School, the University of San Francisco and St. Patrick's College. He received his MA in Public Administration from Golden Gate University in 1973. While in San Francisco he held the positions of Director of the first San Francisco Resettlement Program for Southeast Asians, Assistant to the General Director of Catholic Charities and Director of Catholic Social Services of Marin County. In Stockton, Ron was the Executive Director of the Association for Retarded Citizens for 21 years. During his tenure he obtained funding for the building of the Adult Development Center, directed Valley Regional Industries sheltered workshops, expanded programs for developmentally disabled in the community and dedicated his peak energies to the Special Olympics program in San Joaquin County. Ron was an advocate for the quality of life, work and community for developmentally disabled throughout his career. Ron always expressed gratitude and respect for the members of the Board of Directors, his program managers, staff and volunteers who worked so closely with him to carry out the mission of ARC. Upon retiring from ARC in 2000, Ron worked seasonally for Sees Candies Discount Store, enjoying it, as he stated, "What could be more fun than working in a candy store?" Also, after his retirement, he dedicated time to develop his innate skills in dog training and became certified as a, "Canine Good Citizen Evaluator" by the American Kennel Club and as a certified dog trainer for Petco. He became a gratis source of dog training for numerous old and new friends and this became a rewarding part of his life.

Ron is survived by his wife, Barbara; his mother, Stella and his sister, Dawn Tognoli of San Francisco and his good buddy, his black lab, Valiant. Ron expressed gratitude to his sister-in-law, Paula Baxter; his sister, Dawn; dear friends Steve Stange and Sue Dempsey and the hospice care team for their dignified and personal care during his final illness.

Friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at the Church of the Presentation, 6751 Leesburg Pl., Stockton, CA at 12:30 p.m. There will be no visitation. Private Committal. DeYoung Memorial Chapel, 601 N. California St., Stockton, CA in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95204.