Ronald Edwin Vincent

Ronald Vincent age 93, passed away at home, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, on January 3rd, 2023.  He was the son of Clifton & Helen Vincent and grew up in Galena along with his younger brother, Roger Vincent.

He graduated from Galena High School in 1947. He enjoyed all sports.  Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the Navy.  He specialized in telecommunications which lead him to a career with Illinois Bell.  His career as a Communications Maintenance Technician spanned 40 years.  While living in Galena, he was a Lieutenant in the volunteer fire department.  He was always ready to respond to a call. 

Ron Vincent married Arlene Runde on June 20th, 1959, at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque. During 63 years of marriage, they were blessed with four children and five grandchildren.

Four Children:  Tom (Pam) Vincent, Bob (Laura) Vincent, Ann (Dave) Beksel, Dan (Sandy)Vincent

Grandchildren: Tyler, Ben & Nick, Sydnie & Rhys.

Ronnie, as he was known in Galena, had a love for the game of baseball and of helping kids.  He began his 50+ years of coaching with his first little league baseball team during the early 1950’s. He went on to coach numerous baseball teams.  While in Rockford, these teams included his three sons. Through sports, he instilled a solid work ethic and a code of conduct that his players and his kids lived by.  He also instilled a love for the Chicago Cubs!  He was an avid Cubs Fan. Every March, it was expected to see both Mom & Dad out in Mesa, Arizona watching the Cubs in Spring Training.  Every season started out with renewed hope.  By the end of the season, he could be heard saying, “Wait until next year!”  We were all so happy that he witnessed the Cubs 2016 World Series win! Another lifelong activity that he enjoyed was bowling.  He began bowling while in Galena.  After retirement, he became a serious bowler who played in multiple leagues, Saturday King of the Hill Competitions, and yearly ABC Championship Tournaments.

He also enjoyed the camaraderie with the members of the YMCA Men’s Club.  He was a devout member of Saint James Catholic Church. He enjoyed life to its fullest and will be missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday January 7th, 2023, time 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Rockford Illinois. Friends may visit on Friday January 6th, 2023, at the Sundberg Funeral Home, 215 North Sixth Street, Rockford, Illinois. Condolences can be sent to sundbergfh.com

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