Ronald Graner

86 years is a long time, but it wasn't long enough. Our Dad, Ron Graner, also known as "Chief" and "Mr. G", was welcomed into Heaven by our Mom on Friday, July 19, 2024, just 3 weeks shy of his 87th birthday.
Ron was raised in Franklin, PA by his parents, Mary (Clune) and William Carl Graner, along with his older brother, Larry who precedes him in death, along with his wife, Dolly. Ron was also preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Ginny; special daughter-in-law Remy; sisters and brothers-in-law Louise and Don Wolfkiel, Mary Lou and Dale Heffernan and Darrell Heffernan; and so many special friends. He was known for being the one who set up lunches or dinner with friends.
At age 17, Ron enlisted in the United States Navy where he was a Navy Corpsman, taking care of others. Upon discharge from the Navy, Ron attended Bryant & Stratton Business College in Buffalo. He often told us this is where he learned to drive in the snow. He obtained a degree in accounting. In 1964, Ron and his wife Virginia (Ginny) Fleming Graner moved to Akron, Ohio to build their life together. Eventually, they settled in the Castle Homes neighborhood of Kenmore, where Ron lived until he moved into Assisted Living. Ron took great pride in his house, and especially his yard and flowers, winning many Akron Beautification Awards. Ron was a longtime active member of Immaculate Conception of Mary Parish. Most of Ron's career was spent at Reiter Dairy in Akron as an accountant. Ron was well known for his sense of humor, quick wit, and advice giving. He made many lasting friendships with coworkers.
Aside from his sense of humor, when most think of our Dad, they think of his great love of sports. He loved to cheer on and watch his Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Indians/The Tribe, but most of all - Notre Dame. A tradition started by his uncle, Archbishop Lawrence "Sonny" Graner. At age 2, Dad was required to sing The Fight Song to get into his grandmother's house. His love for all his teams is a tradition passed onto his son, often being told he created a monster. The traditions will continue. During one of the many football games they attended at Notre Dame, many years ago, as they walked the beautiful campus, Tom told Dad, "Just think, we'll be coming here long after you're gone Dad". Many would be mortified at hearing that; however, Dad laughed so hard, he could hardly tell the story.
Left missing their Dad and Grandpa always are his children, Tom and his children Theresa (Jay),  Dean (Leslie), Shannon, and Shea (Josh), Mary (Tony) Zita and their children Kevin and Erin, Jennifer (John) Vanke and their daughters Katie (Sean), Hanna, and Andrea (Dan), and Trish Graner and her sons Shane, Dillon, and Brady. Trish's sons will especially miss Grandpa, having spent countless dinners with him and every holiday.
To his favorite Marine and near daily visitor, Ken Hughes, Ron says, "You are welcome for the ride!" and "Go Steelers!". The family can't thank you enough for all you did for our Dad.
We would like to thank the staff at The Inn at Coal Ridge in Wadsworth where Dad lived the past 2 years, especially the aides for the care and compassion he received there, in particular Noah who went above and beyond.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 24 from 11:00AM to 1:00PM at the Anthony Funeral Homes, Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Funeral Home, 1990 S Main St in Akron, where a funeral service will be held at 1:00PM, Fr. Tom McCann officiating. A brief burial at Holy Cross Cemetery will immediately follow. All attendees are invited to a reception at the funeral home following the burial.