Show All » 06-10-2016 » Nabakowski, Ronald

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Mr. Ronald Lee Nabakowski, Sr.

Amherst- Ronald Nabakowski, 74, public servant in the truest sense, passed away peacefully after an extended battle with ALS.  He spent his life living out his deep faith in Christ by working to improve the lot of his fellow Ohioans in ways small and large.

Ron began a career in politics very early in life, earning Young Man of the Year award in 1967. He was elected to the Lorain City Auditor position in 1971 and spent the greatest part of his life serving in the public sector as a State Senator, Lorain County Commissioner, and on Governor Dick Celeste's cabinet as the Director of the Ohio Lottery. He retired in 2014 after serving as the Lorain County Clerk of Courts.

All through his life Ron was interested in making government work better for people. A lifelong and committed Democrat, some of his proudest moments involved working across the aisle with Republican colleagues to create legislation they could all support.

During his time at the Lottery, he was extremely gratified that they contributed 17 cents of each state dollar spent on primary and secondary education in Ohio - a record unmatched by subsequent Lottery administrations.

Ron spent his recent years closer to home, tirelessly promoting Lorain through participation in the Lorain Tourism Board and with his newsletter, The Intelligencer. The tagline was "All of us are smarter than any of us..." and he truly believed that we have to work together for substantive change.

Ron was also an avid sports fan and spent many a happy evening yelling at the TV with his children and grandchildren.

Ron leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Dorothea Nabakowski (nee: Jurinec); six children, Pamela (Karen Mooney) Rumancik, Deanna (Robyn Copek) Nabakowski, Michael Bains, Lee (Pam) Long, Robert (Carolyn)  Nabakowski and Christopher (Andrea) Nabakowski; grandchildren, Nicholas Rumancik, Jeffrey Nabakowski, Genevieve Rumancik, Carolyn Rumancik, Maya Nabakowski, Benjamin Long, and Isabelle Nabakowski.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia Ann; and his parents, Walter and  Hilda (nee: Klingshirn).

In lieu of flowers, donations to help defray medical expenses incurred from a long and debilitating illness can be made to Dottie Nabakowski at First Federal Savings & Loan, 3721 Oberlin Ave, Lorain, OH 44053. 

The family will receive friends at Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2150 Broadway, Lorain (440) 244-1961 on Monday, June 13, 2016 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM & 5:00 - 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 PM, Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at St. Joseph Parish, 200 St. Joseph Drive, Amherst, OH 44001, Rev. Timothy J. O'Connor, Pastor, officiating (meet at Church on Tuesday). Private Christian burial services will be held at a later date at St. Joseph Cemetery, Amherst, OH. Online condolences may be sent using www.rsgfuneralhome.com.

                                                                                               

 

Posted By: RSG Funeral Home @ 2:25:24 PM

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Condolence

Posted By: mike and linda camera

Deepest Condolences Dottie and Family. We were so sorry to read of Ron's passing. Such a wonderful guy! May all of your wonderful memories sooth your heart and bring you joy.

Posted on: 6/14/2016 10:05:09 PM


Condolence

Posted By: Stevi Schermond

Dot and family, I was so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Stevi

Posted on: 6/14/2016 8:14:18 PM


Condolence

Posted By: Louis Manecci

Dottie and family, So sorry to hear about Ron's passing. He truly re-defined politics. My time spent with him at the Statehouse was truly a learning experience, one that I will treasure always. You and yours are in my prayers,

Posted on: 6/14/2016 6:23:17 PM


Condolence

Posted By: Angie Christian

Dottie and Family, I'm so very sorry for your loss of your dear husband, Ron. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sincerely, Angie Christian

Posted on: 6/13/2016 2:11:58 PM


Condolence

Posted By: Rosa and Joseph Gee

Our deepest sympathy to all that knew Ron. He truly was an inspiration to all. When Ron believed in something, everyone around him knew it. To have a conversation with Ron was the high lite of any event. Ron was always so well informed on matters and very quick to point out facts. Ron never hesitated to share what he knew and many of us learned much from him. He truly will be missed and always remembered.

Posted on: 6/13/2016 10:39:30 AM


Condolence

Posted By: Doris Sigg

Ron rose to every occasion, small and large, to advocate for what was right in life. Period.

Posted on: 6/12/2016 7:41:25 AM


Condolence

Posted By: Christine (Mariotto) Koba and James Koba

Dear Dottie, I am unsure if you remember me, but I am Vicki Radican's sister. She shared the sad news of Ron's passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Please know we will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Sincerely, Christine and Jim Koba

Posted on: 6/12/2016 7:12:32 AM


Condolence

Posted By: Len Marsico

I will always remember the many great philosophical discussions we had on several fly fishing trips back in our younger days. Ron always had a deep sense of morality and was devoted to improving the lot of humanity generally and his community specifically. Dottie, please accept my sincere condolences.

Posted on: 6/11/2016 5:16:42 PM


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