Ronald Francis Flori

Ronald F. Flori, age 88, of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at his residence.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 1st at St. Columba Church with Rev. Bruno Byomuhangi celebrating.  Interment will follow in West Serena Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.  Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, January 31st at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Recitation of the Rosary at 3:45 p.m.  In observance of CDC guidelines, masks and social distancing will be required and the number of visitors in the building will be monitored.

Ron was born March 19, 1932 in Ottawa, Illinois, a son of Aldo and Viola (Marten) Flori.  He married Lois Izell Armstrong July 5, 1952 at St. Columba Church in Ottawa.  She preceded him in death December 24, 2020.  He is survived by seven children, Ronald F. Flori Jr. of Ottawa, IL, Rhonda Rowlee (Bill) of Holland, MI, Dawn Corrie of Ottawa, IL, Doreen Gula (Dennis) of Ottawa, IL, Yvonne Pfeiff (Glenn) of Ottawa, IL, Cheryl O'Shea (Dennis) of Ottawa, IL, and Mark Flori (Joann) of Hanahan, SC; ten grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.  Ron is also survived by a brother-in-law, Wayne Corcoran of Ottawa, IL, two sisters, Sharon Damyen of Ottawa and Susan Flori Tilley of Houston, TX; and a sister-in-law, Lucille Armstrong of Tucson, AZ.  In addition to his wife, Ron was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jack Meyer; and sisters, Pat Corcoran and Jane Crossen.

Ron was a lifelong member of St. Columba Church.  He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  Ron was a police sergeant with the Ottawa Police Department and later retired from the City of Ottawa.  He was a member of the National Rifle Association and Ottawa American Legion Post 33.  Ron was a loyal fan of the New York Yankees, Notre Dame athletic teams, the Chrysler Corporation and singer Neil Diamond.  His spare time would find him enjoying gardening and woodworking.  Ron dearly loved trips to Florida with his children and grandchildren and cherished the time spent with his family.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Columba Church or the Shriners Hospital for Children.