Obituary
Ronald Smith, age 82. Beloved husband of Deanna nee Zimmerman. She was the love of his life for over 60 years. Loving father of Jeffery Smith, Scott (Hylee) Smith, Gregg (Sherri) Smith, Mathew (Jill) Smith and Brett (Melissa) Smith. Proud and loving Papa of Danielle, Adam, Megan, Gina, Mia, Nicki, Beau, Jake, Jolee, Hailey, Derek, Kyla and Vivienne. Ron was an east Rogers Park kid who graduated Sullivan High School in 1954. He attended Coe College (Majoring in P.E!!) and graduated from Roosevelt University in 1958. In 1959 Ron enlisted in the Illinois National Guard and from 1966 to 1986 he was employed as a Juvenile Parole Officer and Administrator with the Illinois Department of Corrections. During his tenure with Corrections, Ron volunteered his time (1967-68) running nighttime sports and social activities at the Cabrini Green Public Housing Projects located on the near north side of Chicago. From 1993 until 2017, Ron was employed as a federal compliance officer for the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission. He proudly received the Juvenile Justice Champion Award in 2017 for his 23 years of service to Illinois youth.Ron spent his career working for the betterment of underprivileged, at risk youth in Chicago and throughout the State of Illinois. He relished the many relationships he forged with co-workers over the years. He loved his Chicago sports teams, especially his White Sox. Our Dad was an honest, hard working, tough, decent man. His ever-growing family felt his love and support each and every day. Our world is a little less bright without him. Service Monday, 11 AM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 195 North Buffalo Grove Rd., (one block North of Lake Cook Rd.) Buffalo Grove. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Buffalo Grove - 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.
Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals. www.chicagojewishfunerals.com