Ron was the most caring and devoted husband, father and brother. We both had a very wonderful early childhood…even as young children, Ron was always protective of me… though I’ll admit I would bug him to play more than he wanted. In fact we had a big woods in back of our yard.
I insisted on following him. Needless to say, I ended up lost for two hours, but it was worth it to experience what he did. I will also fondly remember playing in our fort.
I looked up to him so much and in so in ways as long as I can remember. In his service as an officer, he courageously arrested a DUI suspect will off duty earning himself a prestigious GEO recognition award in 2005. When ours younger years turned difficult, our bond grew even stronger.
Between several moves, walking miles to school after hours of public busing, we kept each other happy and safe. We even stayed in a shelter. We would play hockey for hours to help us cope.
I tease my husband this is why I can beat him…a least half the time. Ron and I leaned on each other for comfort and strength. We both basically had to learn together how to “grow up” as young teens…encouraging one another when no one else could.
Through it all we laughed, cried, connected and made promises…Promises to be strong… promises to have a better life…to always give support to our children and spouse…to make the most of life and the moments with our future families. As time moved on and we did become adults with beautiful families, our bond was always there and everlasting. Ron always knew how important it was to work hard… in fact he worked harder and harder throughout his life to ensure his wife Kathy and daughter Alyssa would always have comfort.
He also made sure to have a college account for his beloved daughter, so she wouldn’t have to work the incredible hours he did; as well as enjoy her career after college. As the years passed, we knew we could always be there for advise, encouragement and the nurturing we always gave each other. We knew our experience was one that shaped us forever.
We were there to protect each other. Ron would always check on his “little sister”. He made me smile with his sense of humor… one only a lucky few understood.
He always sacrificed the needs of his family over his own. Kathy and Alyssa were his world. I want to thank them for all the joy and love they gave him.
My life changed forever when I heard the news. I wish we had more time with my brother. He deserved a long and happy life; yet I am grateful for the happiness his family gave him all these years.
I keep telling Mike it’s like the world isn’t the same. I miss the calls and messages from my father like protector, but Ron I know you are watching over all of us. You are forever in our hearts… and you will forever be my big brother…I love you eternally.
Ron is survived by his wife Kathleen Leahy Small, daughter Alyssa Small, sister Lisa Lisman and her husband Michael, nieces and nephews Brittany, Caitlinn, and Mitchell Lisman, mother in law Gladys Leahy, sister in law Margarita Leahy, and many more cherished family members. He also leaves behind, best friend of 35 years, Terry Prescott. He will forever be in our hearts as a loving and sacrificing husband, father, brother and friend.
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