Obituary of Ronald B. Colaric

Ronald B. Colaric, age 84, of Joliet, IL passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 8, 2016 comforted by the love of his family. Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Shirley (Eich); one daughter, Nancy (Joseph) Baltz of Shorewood; four sons, Patrick (Mary) Colaric of Joliet, Brian Colaric of Plano, TX, David Colaric of Palos Hills, and Dr. Kenneth (Elizabeth) Colaric of Kansas City, MO; nine grandchildren, Megan, Marcie and Brian Baltz, Katelyn (Timothy) Schachtschneider, Kyle and Zane Colaric, Jack, Neal and Mary Elizabeth Colaric; his brother, Robert (the late Shirley) Colaric; and his sister-in-law, Marjorie Colaric. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Mary Angela (Kamnikar) Colaric, and his brother, Leo “Jerry" Colaric. Ron, a native of Joliet, graduated in 1949 from Joliet Catholic High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1953 from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He then proudly served the U. S. Army as a chemical warfare instructor, stationed in Puerto Rico and the Panama Canal. He dedicated 35 years of his life working as a research chemist for Blockson Chemical Company, which later became Olin Corporation. Ron enjoyed many hobbies throughout the course of his life such as photography, playing golf, woodworking, and he was an avid computer enthusiast. He served as the first president of the Olin Corporation Employee's Club and the president of St. John's Catholic School Board. However, his proudest accomplishment was watching his five children become the loving and successful adults they are today. The family would like to thank the friends, extended family and medical professionals who have shared their prayers, support and love. Ronald B. Colaric will lie in state at St. Jude Catholic Church, 2212 McDonough Street, Joliet, on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:45 a.m., which will be celebrated by Father Michael Lane and Father Robert Hutmacher, O.F.M. Interment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, with full military honors. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Ronald B. Colaric, the family would appreciate all to perform a random act of kindness for another. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.