Ronald Craig Granata

Ronald Craig Granata

November 4, 1951

January 31, 2016

Ronald C. Granata, 64, passed away Sunday, January 31, 2016 surrounded by his loving family in Reno, Nevada. "Ron, Ronnie, The Old Man, Pops" had a heart of gold and a head like a bull. He was passionate, loving, dedicated, hard-working, and generous. Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Helen Granata and is survived by his children; Julie Mortara (husband Chris) and Angelo Granata (wife Sherie); grandchildren; Millie Rose Granata, Cody James Curtis, Stella Teresa Mortara and Gianna Antonella Mortara; brothers; Denny and Gary Granata (wife Carla) and sister Janet Labarry (husband David); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ronnie was born in Reno, Nevada on November 4, 1951, and grew up in a traditional Italian home where his mom cooked delicious meals and his dad worked tirelessly at Martin Iron Works as president. Ronnie attended Wooster High School where he had many friends due to his jovial and humorous personality. Ronnie enjoyed water skiing, visiting with friends, and had many admirers. His fun didn't last too long though because he wanted to follow his dad's legacy. Bill was known as "The Man of Iron," and Ronnie was utterly proud of that. Ronnie also worked hard at Martin Iron Works starting at age 13 sweeping the floors then sorting bolts onto an apprenticeship, then a journey-man ironworker, becoming foreman, to superintendent and onto becoming vice president of reinforcing steel (rebar). His bull-headedness, persistency, and knowledge of the trade helped Martin Iron Works "Martin" remain successful. He was so proud of Martin, and I'm sure many of you either worked with him or received an MIW hat from him as a symbol of his pride. He was known to wear his MIW shirts all time. Martin was his life…except for his children who came first.

Julie and Angelo were his everything. When they had babies, they were his everything too. Ronnie enjoyed supporting Julie in her numerous gymnastics meets and cherished her cards she gave him sometimes putting them in frames. He was Angelo's baseball coach at Reno National Little League and his hunting partner. Dedicated to both, Ang would have a baseball or football game, and then they would jump in the truck and drive to Midas in the wee hours of the morning to do some deer hunting the next day. In his later years, he continued to hunt with his friends, children, and grandchildren. He liked riding in the car with Stella and talking about, "Uh oh, Spaghettio." Together they laughed and laughed. "It's not funny exactly, Nonno!" Stella would say, and it was their little joke. Of course, he had to visit Millie Rose in Phoenix for birthdays and holidays. Together they would joke and laugh and give hugs. And with Gianna, he looked forward to her phone calls where she would say, "Hi Nonno," and chat. He loved his grandkids. He always said, "You kids are going to be taken care of," and they were. He showed them love and laughter joking about, "Don't be reer, be rad"; "gotcha,"and would give the wink and smile that would light up a room. He was a jokester with everyone and would want to be remembered for his laughter and love.

Ronnie was a beloved father, nonno, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and best friend to many. His gregariousness, generosity, compassion, loyalty, dedication, and humor will be missed, but the memories will remain.

Viewing will be Friday, February 5th from 5-7pm at Walton's Funeral Home at 875 W. Second St. in Reno.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Luke's Lutheran Church at 2:00 on Saturday, February 6th at 3835 Lakeside Drive in Reno. Interment will be held on Monday, February 8th at 1:00 pm at Mt. View Cemetery.

Memorial contributions would be appreciated to: Nevada Bighorns Unlimited (Midas Chapter), P.O. Box 1161, Reno, NV 89504, or Reno National Little League, C/O Walton Funeral Home, at the address above.

Online condolences may be shared at the website www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com.