Ronald John Zegaraski, 71, of Crystal Lake

Ronald John Zegarski, of Crystal Lake, passed away Monday, March 14, 2013, of neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer at home, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 71.

Ronald fought a heroic battle with the disease for almost six years.

On July 10, 1941, Ronald was born in Chicago to John and Stephanie Zegarski.

In 1964, Ronald married his beautiful bride and best friend, Dorothy Kwilosz.
He began his college education at the Illinois Institute of Technology where he received his Bachelor’s degree followed by his Master’s degree, both in electrical engineering.

He then went on to receive an MBA from the University of Chicago.
His career path included Motorola, vice president of engineering at BRK Electronics, and Pittway Systems where he formed and headed up its division called System Sensor as president.

Ron was a member of the Crystal Lake Country Club, where he established many lifelong friendships. He was an avid golfer and played his best golf game during his cancer battle.

As a man of faith and member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Ron’s faith in God carried him through the suffering of his cancer. He is quoted as saying at the end of his battle that “God is my chemo” and “I can look back at the wonderful life I had filled with many blessings: my wife, my children, my grandchildren, friends, my parents, and my sisters.”

He encouraged his family and friends to trust in God’s will for his life. Though he will be deeply missed, Ron’s legacy of strong faith, integrity, generosity, and devotion to family and friends will live on.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy; children, Michael (Patrick Porter), Nancy (Don) Wallin, Janet (Dave) Kay; grandchildren, Jacob, Samuel, Abby, Kolbe, Philomena, and Cecilia Wallin; Cassidy, Sammie, Kamila, Jared, and Adam Kay; sister, Stephanie Zegarski Michaels; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Rosemarie Schick.

A visitation for Ron will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2013, with a prayer service beginning at 8 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 Route 176, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

Mass will be held the following day, Monday, March 18, 2013, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, with a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of 11 a.m. Mass.

Memorial donations may be sent to Journey Care Foundation, 405 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington, IL 60010, and/or St. Thomas the Apostle Adoration Chapel, 272 King St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014.