Obituary of Ronald D. Van Dyke, Sr.
Ronald D. “Ron” Van Dyke, Sr., age 84, of North Redington Beach, FL, and formerly of Plainfield, IL., passed away September 29, 2024, in Clearwater, FL.
Born February 8, 1940, in Joliet, he was the son of the late Omer and Evelyn (Flowers) Van Dyke, and was a graduate of Joliet Township Central High School. From 1963-1968, he proudly served with the United States Army as a Lieutenant, went on to the Army Reserves, as well as being an Auxiliary Deputy for the Will County Sheriff’s office.
Ron started his 30 plus year career as a lineman at Illinois Bell and worked his way up the company, retiring as Direct of Operations at Ameritech. He proudly retired with perfect attendance. While excelling in his career, Ron still had time to coach his son in multiple sports and actively participate as a member of the Plainfield Rotary Club.
An avid golfer, Ron maintained a single digit handicap and won multiple local tournaments. After his retirement, Ron worked alongside his son and daughter-in-law to help them grow their local business, Arbor Tek. He enjoyed staying active and engaged by heading to the office every day (except Tuesdays, which was his golf league day) and visiting job sites around town and socializing with customers. Winters were spent at Ron and Kathy’s retirement home in Florida, where they were members of the Treasure Island Yacht Club and enjoyed boating, golfing, and entertaining family and friends.
Ron married Kathleen A. (Williams) Van Dyke, and they enjoyed 41 years of marriage until her passing July 31, 2018. A few years after Kathy’s passing, he married the former Barbara Bizzotti, and she survives.
Also surviving are his son Ronald (Elizabeth) Van Dyke, Jr., of Plainfield; two grandchildren, Matthew Van Dyke and Katlyn Van Dyke, both of Plainfield; two sisters-in-law, Patricia Van Dyke of Venice, FL, and Mary Jo (Gerald) Murphy of St. Charles, IL; five nephews and one niece; and Barbara’s son, Herbert Perozzi and grandsons, Jonathan and Christopher (Nicole) Perozzi.
His wife, Kathy; his parents; and one brother, Raymond Van Dyke, preceded him in death.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Ron Van Dyke, Sr. will be celebrated on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 N. Brookforest Drive, Shorewood, IL. Inurnment will be private at Resurrection Mausoleum, Romeoville, immediately following Mass, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you extend an act of kindness to a family member or to a stranger.
Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.
