Ronald G. Wiley
Ron Wiley was a gentle soul. Almost universally, upon hearing that Ron had died, people said that he was a kind and generous man. In a world where we have school and community initiatives to teach kindness, Ron demonstrated it throughout his life, every day and to everyone. Is it a coincidence that one of his favorite snacks was a Kind bar?!
After bravely battling prostate cancer for over four years, Ronald G. Wiley passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 in Mentor, Ohio surrounded by members of his family and the Hospice of Western Reserve. He was just shy of his 74th birthday at the time of his death. Per Ron’s request, no visitation or services will be held.
Ron is survived by his daughters Rebecca Toney and Jennilyn Wiley; his grandson Luke Toney; his siblings Rosanne Case (Jack), Rita Krylow (John), Robert Wiley (Joan), and Raymond Wiley (Carol); and his friend and former spouse Marianne Wiley. He is predeceased by his parents Leonard and Betty (Elsasser) Wiley and his brother Richard Wiley.
Ron graduated from E. E. Root HS in North Royalton and earned a BS in electrical engineering from Fenn College (now Cleveland State University). While working for FirstEnergy in Cleveland as an engineer and computer programmer, he earned a MA in economics at Case Western Reserve University. Throughout his career he held similar roles at Perry Nuclear Power Plant and at Interdesign in Solon, and also did freelance accounting and financial advising.
Ron loved both travel and photography and spent a number of his post-retirement years travelling the southwestern and southeastern U.S. in his RV taking pictures and sharing them with his family. He was an avid reader with six different library cards and usually had stacks of library books checked out at any one time. While he enjoyed movies (especially when watching with his grandson), he preferred PBS programming and never met a nature show he didn’t like. He also never turned down an opportunity to go out to breakfast with friends or family, and the pancake breakfast at the Burton Fire Department was a perennial favorite.
He endeared himself to everyone he met through his volunteer work with the Hudson Library and Historical Society and the American Cancer Society’s Pan Ohio Hope Ride (bicycling), as well as numerous organizations he was actively involved in including hiking groups, the Stow Senior Center, and the Stow Community Farmers Market.
His daughters want you to know that Ron loved having daughters and he supported them through major life events as well as the everyday moments. He sang to his girls at bedtime, taught them how to mow the grass and to drive (and how to change the oil), attended their graduations, proofed resumes, hugged them often, and photographed every single moment of their lives!
His grandson most remembers that Grandpa Ron was always happy, and loved to play racquetball and wallyball with him at the Kent State Rec Center during spring break trips. Prior to visits, Ron would always stop at the library and find selections that might interest Luke, and thus introduced him to some of his favorite books and authors. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center was a place that produced a special bond and they have fond memories of sharing time there together.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you make a contribution in Ron’s name to your local parks or library system...organizations that held a special place in his heart.
In honor of his gentle nature, please do something nice for someone else...and go visit your local farmers’ market next Saturday morning!