Ronald Malara

May 4th, 1941 - August 9th, 2024

Ronald (Ron) Joseph Malara

May 4, 1941 – August 9, 2024

Ronald (Ron) Joseph Malara, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on August 9, 2024. Born on May 4, 1941, in Denver, Colorado, Ron was the eldest son of Matthew and Rose Malara, and the adored older brother to Gary.

From a young age, Ron was known for his vibrant spirit and talents. He delighted in playing the accordion, earning numerous awards for his music, and also enjoyed various sports. During his high school years, Ron's interests included cars, playing cards, and his high school sweetheart, Linda DelliQuadri. The bond between Ron and Linda, which began in grade school, blossomed into a deep and lasting love. They married two years after graduating high school on August 18, 1962.

Ron worked initially for Right Light and later for Light Craft in Denver. In 1971, he moved his family to Fort Collins, where he and Gary purchased a local business, Paul’s Lighting, which they rebranded as Malara Brother’s Lighting. They expanded their enterprise with a new showroom in Greeley in 1976. After selling the business in 1986, Ron transitioned to a role as a sales representative for Shamrock Foods.

Ron’s life was filled with diverse passions. He coached little league baseball, played in a softball league, and enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, and painting. His enthusiasm for collecting gems, jewelry, coins, and friendships reflected his engaging and charismatic personality. Known for his ability to light up a room with his detailed storytelling and genuine warmth, Ron could connect with anyone, anywhere, at any time, leaving a lasting impression on all who met him.

Ron’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, papa, brother uncle, and friend. His love for his family was boundless, and he was a protector, mentor, confidant and patriarch of his family. His legacy is one of compassion, joy, and unwavering support, and he will be remembered with deep love and pride by all who knew him.

Ron is proceeded in death by his loving brother and best friend, Gary Malara.

Ron is survived by his wife of 62 years, Linda; his children Tony (Renea), Steve (Connie), and Deanna; his seven grandchildren Alexa (Andrew), Vittoria, Vincent (Paige), Dante (Kenna), Dion, Dominic, and Miya; and his great-grandchild, Emrynn. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Janet along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and an endless amount of friends.

A celebration of Ron's remarkable life will be held on Monday, Aug. 26th at St. Joseph’s Church, 300 W. Mountain Ave. in Fort Collins, Colorado. The rosary will commence at 1:30pm, followed by the funeral service at 2:00pm. You are invited to join us for a reception at Meredith Hall, located in the basement of the church immediately after the service.

Flowers are appreciated, and the family kindly requests any contributions can also be made to support Big Bones Canine Rescue, in his honor.

Ron’s memory will remain in our hearts forever. His life and legacy will continue to inspire and uplift us, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

We Entrusted Ronald Malara's Care To

Vessey Funeral Service - Fort Collins

For over 17 years, Vessey Funeral Service has proudly served Northern Colorado with unwavering compassion and dedication. As a full-service funeral home and cremation provider, we will guide you through the most challenging moments with grace and reverence, ensuring every individual and memorial receives the utmost care and attention. Let our caring staff help you understand the many options from which to choose, from a traditional burial or cremation to more straightforward, simpler choices. Your loved one is in good hands with us, a faithful Fort Collins community partner since 2007.

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Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Ronald’s life with a heartfelt message.

Renea Malara

Ron (Papa) & Linda (Nani) have been the best in-laws anyone could have. Both always made people feel welcome and extended the love they have for their children to those of us who married into the family. When I think about Ron I always remember his kindness and funny stories. The first thing I noticed about him was how much he loved his family and wanted to be with them. I value the many years I have been a part of his family and for every year that he has been my only Dad. We love you Papa! - Renea

Published August 18th, 2024

Toni DelliQuadri

Linda and Deanna and family, There is no doubt you had the most wonderful husband and father for all these many years. I am thinking of you and how the strength of your family life will carry you through and he will be with you in spirit. I will always remember meeting Ron when we visited Denver and he and you, Linda, were dating. It was clear there was something so very special between you and you kept it for all the years, all the children, grandchildren and great grandchild. They will inherit the wonder of it all. My heartfelt sympathies go to you all as you memorialize the years and carry on with the joy of Ron in your hearts. Cousin, Toni

Published August 17th, 2024

Alexa Malara

When was a time Ronald made you laugh?

There have been many funny moments with Papa, but one recent memory had me laughing so hard I was in tears. He was at a rehab facility, and one of his nurses was telling me how Papa had never made him laugh so hard while simultaneously scaring him. The nurse explained how Papa had a unique way of getting into bed that was both impressive and nerve-wracking for the medical staff to watch. Just as the nurse was telling me this story, Papa walked into the room with a huge grin on his face and asked, "Would you like to see it?" I told him I would absolutely love to see it. Papa got to the side of his bed and said, "Are you ready for this?" I started laughing as he built up the suspense. "I’m definitely ready!" I replied. He then did a quick 180-degree roll sideways into the bed. Once he was lying down, he flung up his arms as if he had just stuck the landing and exclaimed, "Ta-dah!" Even though he was in a place he didn’t want to be and in a less-than-ideal situation, he always found light in the moment and never lost his sense of humor.

Published August 18th, 2024

Terri Bedan

Tony, Steve, and Deanna. I am so sorry to read about your dad's passing. Your parents were always so kind to me when we were kids. Sweet thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Terri Bedan

Published August 16th, 2024

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