Obituary of Ronald Joseph Stonitsch
Ronald Joseph Stonitsch passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at home surrounded by his family, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born to Arthur and Rita (nee McGowan) Stonitsch on May 3, 1944 in Joliet, IL. He was educated at St. Jude’s, St. Ray’s and Joliet Catholic High School. He was a talented carpenter, holding membership in Local 174. In 1974, he began Ron Stonitsch Construction. Starting as a homebuilder, he grew into one of the largest commercial/industrial general contractors in the Joliet area. Ron managed a staff of up to 60+ employees building projects for private businesses, municipalities, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations alike; including multiple Joliet area banks, Joliet West High School, JCA, USF, St. Paul's, St. Joseph Hospital, Joliet Union Station, multiple Sam’s Clubs and Mobil Oil.
In 1960, he met and soon married Carol Seppi, having three wonderful children who filled his life with joy. He was proud to continue to call Joliet home and made it a point to give back to the community he loved. Over the years, he served on boards and councils for the George Werden Buck Boys and Girls Club, Joliet City Center Partnership, Will County Center for Economic Development, Iron Workers Local 444, and the Contractors Association of Will & Grundy Counties. He also actively participated in many events and fundraisers for the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry, South Suburban Homebuilders Association, University of St. Francis, and Joliet Catholic Academy. There was never a charity golf outing that was denied a hole sponsorship, silent auction that didn’t elicit his bids, or raffle ticket that went unpurchased when Ron was asked.
He enjoyed gourmet cooking with and for family and friends, a good cigar, a glass of chardonnay, and traveling to new and exciting destinations. Ron will be well-remembered for his generous spirit, infectious laugh, and legendary Stonitsch Construction Christmas parties.
He is the beloved father of Sherri Stonitsch, Raeshel Stonitsch (Lee) Angelelli, and Jeffrey (Nicole nee Rakar) Stonitsch; devoted grandfather of Cortney Jolin, David (Brittney) Jolin and Julian Stone Costa; proud great-grandpa of Jack Stone Jolin. He will also be missed by his extended family and friends, as well as his sister, Pat (Riley),Rita Jean (Dave) Saxon, sisters-in-law Cyndi and Mary Lou Stonitsch, brother-in-law Robert Eisenhammer, several nieces and nephews, special cousins Aloysius, Herman and Lonnie Stonitsch, and friends and business associates too numerous to count.
Preceded in death by his parents, brothers Lawrence and Richard Stonitsch, sister Diane Eisenhammer, cherished uncle Gil (Diana) Stonitsch, and dear friend and mentor Sister Mariarthur Hamman, OSF.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
A Memorial Visitation for Ron will be Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 3-8 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet. Sharing of Memories will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday evening. Services for Mr. Stonitsch will begin Wednesday morning April 5, 2023, 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus where a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
