Ronald X. Durliat

1938 - 2023

Ronald X. Durliat

June 23rd, 1938 - March 28th, 2023

Ronald Xavier Durliat peacefully passed the morning of Tuesday, March 28, 2023 to be with our Savior and prepare a place for his wife. Ron was born June 23, 1938 in Toledo, Ohio to Lenore (Nagel) and James Durliat. Ron was the most perfect child and was absolutely cherished by his parents and his grandmother, Meta (Wollenweber) Nagel. He attended grade school at Arlington Elementary and went on to graduate from Macomber in 1957 (Electrical Construction). He joined the Army shortly after graduation and served until 1964. Ron's father passed in 1960, leaving Ron to assume man of the house responsibility for his sister, Judi (McDonald), brother, Danny, and mother.

When Ron returned to Toledo, one fateful day entering Sugarman's drugstore, he was love struck by a stunning dark eyed freckle faced Southern belle. He would "accidentally" see her every day until she agreed to marry him. Shelby Jean Garland and Ron were married July 25, 1964 at Peace Lutheran Church in South Toledo. Their union was blessed with two children, Leonora ("Leo") and James. Ron and Shelby made their home in South Toledo and were married nearly fifty nine years. They enjoyed so many wonderful neighbors and made beautiful memories and friendships.

Ron was an extremely talented tradesman, a welder and pipefitter, but, could fix absolutely anything. He worked the majority of his career for Midland-Ross Surface Combustion. He supervised construction of heat treating furnaces, then when business moved to Ampoint and subsequently Waterville, he managed the warehouse operation. Ron was a strong advocate of vocational and trade education and generously donated his time and talent to Junior Achievement and to mentoring others. Ron certainly inspired his children in their career choices â€" Leo as a mechanical engineer and Jimmy as an automotive service advisor.

When Ron was at home, he was usually in the garage with a beer, and with a neighbor or friend working on some sort of project. Ron was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and always had a boat. Early on boats were docked at the Rossford docks. Later, Ron and Shelby created a more elaborate get away at Meinke's and they enjoyed staying at their trailer and fishing the lake making many dear friends.

Ron and Shelby's children eventually married spouses that they loved as their own children and were blessed with five grandsons. Gerald Louis Rafferty III ("Spike") was first born to Leo and Ron and Shelby helped Leo raise him as a single parent. Connor Durliat came next to Jim and his wife, Diane (Killen), with namesake Ronald James ("RJ") born soon after. Leo and Brian Brozell completed their family with John Xavier ("Jack") Brozell and Jim and Diane with Andrew Michael ("Drew") Durliat. Each of the boys had their own special bond with their Grampy and they brought him so much joy. It brought Ron great comfort that Connor and his beautiful bride, Shea (Magers), now own their former home on Mapleway.

The family would like to thank so many for their kindness and compassion shown to Ron and his family. Thank you to the entire staff and residents of Aviva Glendale where Ron and Shelby have made their home and joined a whole new loving family. Thank you to Jennifer Thourot, Hospice of NW Ohio, all the nurses and staff at Mercy Perrysburg, and especially to Mike (the hospital doctor) â€" your guidance, knowledge, and compassion was truly a gift from God. Thank you to Carol Killen, Pastor Steve of Epiphany Lutheran, Ron's cherished niece, Beth Marie Koby and to Dawn Nowicki for navigating the path.

The family will be hosting a gathering Saturday, April 15th noon to 4 p.m. at Maumee Senior Center, 2430 South Detroit Ave. in Maumee, Ohio for any of Ron's many friends, neighbors, coworkers that would like to stop and remember him and maybe share a story.