"Sandra, Our condolences to you and your family."
In loving memory of
Ronald D. Dean
Ronald (Ron) D. Dean, age 79, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday, September 21st, 2018 at 5pm at the Sherman House Hospice facility in Phoenix, Arizona.
Ron was born Ronald Dean Schimitis on November 3rd, 1938 in the coal mining town of Herrin, Illinois. He was the only child of Alexander Schimitis and Faye Null. He moved to Phoenix in 1955 and graduated from North Phoenix High School. Ron later attended Arizona State College, studying electrical engineering. It was at ASC where his lifelong fandom of the Sun Devils was born. He attended both Sun Devil Rose Bowls and hundreds of games with his children. Ron enjoyed a long, successful career in aerospace and medical device engineering.
Ron was a strong man of faith and his favorite Bible verse was John 6:35, "and Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to me shall never hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.'" Ron loved attending church and watching his children perform in church choirs and pageants. Ron was a voracious reader and kept a collection of Bibles, religious texts, and other books that would rival the Library at Alexandria. In his later years, he loved traveling to Disneyland, Sedona, and driving his children all around town. He always appreciated a classic cheeseburger and milkshake.
Ron is survived by his wife of 29 years, Sandra, and seven children: Mark, Tina, Sandy, Will, Lauren, Meagan, and Rebecca and his eight grandchildren: Zachary, Autumn, Ciana, Nathan, Ava, Veronica, Olivia, Penelope, and his soon to arrive granddaughter, Addison. Ron's growing family was incredibly special to him.
All are welcome to attend Ron's celebration of life ceremony, which will be held on Friday, October 5th (family viewing 9am, graveside service 10am) at the Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary and Cemetery at 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ron's name to Hospice of the Valley at: https://www.hov.org/donate
Tributes
"Sandra, My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. I am so happy to have known Ron these past 5 years. As Meagan said so sweetly, Ron is happy but he will be missed so much! Love you, Frankie"
"Dear Sandra and Family: Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sorrowful time. We have been blessed to live next door to you, our wonderful neighbors for 20 years. We are sorry that we cannot be there as we leave this afternoon to go out of the country. May you find comfort and peace in these difficult times."