Ronald A. Whitley

Ronald A. Whitley

August 04, 1938 - February 01, 2009

Ronald A. Whitley

August 04, 1938 - February 01, 2009

Obituary

Whitley, Ronald A. 70, passed away SuperBowl Sunday, surrounded by his family. Born August 4, 1938 in Redding, CA, Ron grew up in Long Beach, where he began his lifelong love of sports. At Jordan High, he met his wife of 50 years, Josephine Jo Elzenga. Ron graduated from Long Beach State with a degree in Recreation Administration, then attended USC where he did graduate work in Public Administration.

Ron was the Director of Parks and Recreation in Newport Beach until his retirement in 1993. During his career, he was active in the California Park and Recreation Society, the Sister City program, and was instrumental in the success of many projects including new public parks, the OASIS Senior Center, and the Newport Theatre Arts Center.

Retirement gave Ron the chance to focus on his favorite pastimes-playing bridge, poker, and scrabble, playing with flowers, and watching his grandchildren play. He spent countless hours watching his grandson, Kevin, play baseball and basketball.

Ron has been a resident of Mission Viejo for 37 years, and the amazing neighbors of Christopher Park have been a huge support during his illness.

He is survived by his wife, Jo; their daughters Shana Stedman and Lené Whitley-Putz; son James Whitley; sons-in-law Greg Stedman and Ingrum Putz; grandchildren Kevin Stedman, Owen Putz, Cody Putz, and Gwinna Putz; mother Iva Jo Whitley; sisters Cheryl McKellips and Jerrilyn Pitsor; and loving little brother Robert Whitley.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on February 6th at O’Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Vocational Visions, a non-profit organization supporting special needs adults that has been instrumental in the life of Ron’s son, Jim.

O’Connor Mortuary, 949 581-4300
www.oconnormortuary.com

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11 responses to Ronald A. Whitley

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  1. Dad–
    Now who am I going to whip in scrabble? You were the best dad I ever had. Okay, the only dad, and that’s why I’ll miss you even more. You are a fantastic grandpa. We love you bunches. Lene

  2. Our sincere love and sympathy to your family at this time of loss of your beloved Ron. Darlene Whitley Miller and Family

  3. With our deapest condolences. We hope that hour hearts will heal soon but never forget the man that he was.

  4. Sincere condolences from cousin Carolyn

  5. I will miss my childhood friend and the nearest thing to a brother I ever had. My thoughts are with his family. Aunt Jo, my heart goes out to you at this sad time in your long life. Love, Judy

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