Raymond (Ron) Mariano Schincariol, 87, of Paw Paw, unexpectedly passed away on Sept. 12, 2022, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, surrounded by his family. Ron lived a blessed and full life. He was a loving son, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a generous man of faith and service to his community, an athlete, a loyal friend, avid fisherman, employer, and a legendary joke-teller. He will be missed.
Ron was born to Ottorino and Hedwige (Delmoro) Schincariol on July 23, 1935, in Walkerville, Ontario, Canada (now Windsor). When Ron was a young boy, his family moved to his lifelong and well-loved community of Paw Paw.
Ron attended St. Mary Catholic School and Paw Paw High School, where he was a winning quarterback for his football team (14-2-1) and all-around athlete. He participated in the choir, stage productions, and other clubs and activities. Here he also met his future wife, Judy Hartman. He worked with his parents and brother, John, to establish and grow a successful family business, Paw Paw Wine Distributors. His educational path led him to Michigan State University, where he QB’d for the ATO fraternity football team and graduated in 1957.
Ron and Judy Schincariol were married in 1957, and then had five children, Debra Schincariol-Driscoll, Rhonda (David) Bogen, Daniel Schincariol, Kathleen (Scott) Everett, and Paul (Leigh) Schincariol. Ron went on to thoroughly enjoy his many dear grandchildren, Kate Bogen (Jae Gonzales), Samantha (Joel) Kovach, Paul (Beth) Bogen, Ben (Katrina Holmes) Driscoll, Evan (Ngozi) Driscoll, Andrew (Elizabeth) Everett, Nick (Cadey) Everett, Audrey Everett, Ottorino (Trino) (Ashley) Schincariol, Mary Schincariol, Luciano (Luc) Schincariol, and Ruby Schincariol; and great- grandchildren, Wesley Kovach, Tao Driscoll, and Theo Everett.
Ron grew the family business, working with many family members, during his 36 years as company president. Many of his employees quickly became good, lifelong friends. Ron retired in 2007. He continued as a community servant and leader throughout his life in many roles: eucharistic minister, church choir, Community Chorus, Village Players, Lions Club (past president and treasurer), Kalamazoo Male Chorus, chairman of the Paw Paw Village Planning Commission, and a member of the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesaler Association Executive Council.
Ron umpired and refereed youth sports, helped establish and maintain local athletic facilities, and was one of the play-by-play voices of PawPaw Redskin football home games for 28 years. Ron was also active in recreational sports well into his 70s. Ron supported many good causes through donations of time and money over the years, leaving deep footprints along the long path of love and giving he walked. He was named to the Paw Paw High School Hall of Fame in recognition of his athletic accomplishments and community involvement.
In 2009, Ron’s beloved Judy passed. Also preceding him in death are his parents; his brother, John; and grandson, Luc.
Ron is also survived by his fiancée, Charlotte (Hose) King, whose tirelessly caring presence further enriched his life, as did her family, daughter, Kathleen (Kurt) Rennhack; grandsons, Kevin and Clare Rennhack; and great-grandchildren, Austin and Savannah Rennhack. In recent years, Ron and Char enjoyed volunteering, traveling the United States, Europe, South America, China and Russia; as well as cherished time with their extended family and friends.
Visitation was held Monday, Sept. 19, Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, where a Rosary service was held that night. Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Sept. 20, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Paw Paw.
Memorial donations to Luc’s Light Youth Music and Arts Foundation, Paw Paw Lions Club, or St. Mary Church are appreciated.