Ronald J. Vergo

Ronald J. Vergo

Age 88 of Joliet, was called home with his Lord on Saturday, May 21, 2022 in his home surrounded by his loving family.  Ron was a lifelong Joliet area resident.  Ron married his life’s love, Mary Jane Papesh.  They have known each other for 83 years.  They grew up down the street from each other, attended grade school together and finally tied the knot on August 30, 1958 at St. Joseph Church in Joliet.  Their wedding reception was in the Papesh back yard and started local accordion entertainer, Bobby Dozak’s musical career with his first paying gig. If a friend needed some help Ron was always there to lend a hand. Somehow he always had a way to get the job done.  Being a United States Marine Corp. Korean War Veteran his mantra was “Once a Marine, Always a Marine”.  Ron discovered his affection for the game of golf late in life, but he made up for lost time by hitting the links as often as possible.  Ron loved his children, but really enjoyed his grandchildren and was amazed at being with his great-grandchildren.

He was a proud union member of The Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 597.  Ron was also a member of St. Joseph’s Holy Name Seniors, The Moran A.C., VFW Cantigny Post 367, and The American Legion Post 1080, as well as a 4th degree knight with the Knights of Columbus. Ron was the last man standing of his generation and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Alice (Tomko) Vergo; brothers: William, Robert and David, and his son: Stephen.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 63 years: Mary Jane (Papesh); children: Robert (Sharon), Michele (Guy) Grimmer and John (Kim); grandchildren: Patricia (Jose) Olvera, Daniel (Julie) Vergo, Kathryn Vergo(fiancé Travis Baiza), Paul (Heather) Grimmer, Jennifer Grimmer and partner Adrian Irvin, Nicole (Justin) Pope, and great-grandchildren: Keegan and Jackson Olvera, Sawyer and Miles Vergo, and Karter Irvin.

Family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Friday, June 3, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N Chicago Street in Joliet, from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow and Ron will be laid to rest and receive full military honors at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Joliet.