Ronald Dorogi

A man of honor, integrity, and strength, Ronald Dorogi was a remarkable man to know and love. He had a special way of making others feel at ease and was the sort of person who could find the bright side of any dark cloud. Ronald loved being a father, but he just may have argued that there was nothing sweeter than being a grandfather to the grandson he cherished more than life itself. Taken from his loved ones much too soon, Ronald will be deeply missed while his memory remains a lasting treasure for years to come.

The colorful decade of the 1950s was a great time to be an American as numerous changes were transforming the way we lived our everyday lives. Televisions were becoming part of American living rooms like never before while legends like Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis introduced us to the sounds of rock ‘n roll. The baby boom was underway with the end of WWII in 1945, and when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus the civil rights movement came front and center. It was just as the sun was dawning on the year 1950 that a young couple from Detroit, Michigan, was filled with great joy to announce the arrival of their new baby on April 7. Ronald L. was the youngest of four children born to his parents, John and Victoria Dorogi, and was raised in the family home in Dearborn alongside his siblings, Elaine, Robert, and Roger. His father worked at Chrysler while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Ronald was a student at local schools including Dearborn High School.

Not long after graduating from high school, Ronald was poised to take in all that life had in store. He took some college classes, studying drafting for a time. With his formal education behind him Ronald went on to a career that he enjoyed. He was employed by the State of Michigan as a manager at the local secretary of state’s office. After 33 years of dedicated service, Ronald retired in 2003.

Although work was an important part of his life, Ronald’s journey was enriched in so many other ways. He was delighted to become a father to two wonderful children, Kevin and Brian, whom he dearly loved. Ronald looked forward to his annual trips to Canadian Lakes, located east of Stanwood, for 20 years as he loved spending time outdoors, especially hiking and camping. At times he went a bit farther from home with his trips to Italy and China being among some of the most memorable times in his life. As his friends and family can attest, Ronald was meticulous about his cars and spent countless hours maintaing them to the point of being continually spotless. He was a sports enthusiast who was passionate about hockey and the Red Wings - although baseball was a close second in Ronald’s book. When it came to music he loved the classic oldies from the fifties.

All who knew Ronald certainly would agree that he was truly one of a kind. He seemed to have endless amounts of patience and never had an unkind word to say about anyone. Ronald was generous and compassionate, which were traits that prompted him to reach out to others through his volunteer work. He logged many hours as a volunteer at the University of Michigan Health System helping recovering transplant patients with their physical therapy.

Later in life Ronald was overjoyed to become a grandfather. He treasured being with Charles Lawrence and spent as much time with him as he could.

Loyal, hardworking, and dedicated, Ronald Dorogi was an inspiration to those around him. He overcame many challenges in his life, yet he never let these trials define him nor steal his joy in each new day. Ronald was kindhearted and generous - the sort of person who would do whatever he could to help someone in any way. His devotion to his family was unmatched, and his love for his children and grandson was easy to see. Ronald will be deeply missed while his memory is forever cherished.

Ronald L. Dorogi died on March 28, 2013. Ronald’s family includes his loving children, Kevin (Heather) and Brian; grandson, Charles Lawrence; siblings, Elaine, Robert, and Roger. Ronald was preceded in death by his parents John and Victoria Dorogi. Visit with Ronald’s family and friends at Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home, 45100 Warren Road, (Btn Sheldon & Canton Center Roads) Tuesday, 4:00-8:00 p.m. where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.