Ronald Michael Sassano

Ronald Michael Sassano, 84, passed away on April 25, 2016 (a day before his 85th birthday) in San Diego, California. Born April 26, 1931 in Fort Lee, New Jersey to Michael Sassano Tulane and Ellen Dorothy Carlson. He moved from New Jersey to Long Beach, California in 1944 during WWII where his father was stationed at the Long Beach Air Force Base, 6th Ferrying Group Command. He was 13 years old. After the war the family moved to North Hollywood, California. He attended North Hollywood High School and graduated in 1948. He married Lois Mae Campbell in 1951. In 1952, during the Korean War, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in San Antonio at the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) base where he ran the USO. His first daughter, Lori Ann was born there. After the war they returned to North Hollywood. Ron became a Sales Agent for the Fireman’s Fund. Before he started with the Fireman’s Fund he was an agent for a well-known movie agency where he joined with a friend to produce a movie. He subsequently bought Brookdale Ice Cream and Doughnut in Canoga Park until he moved to San Diego in 1971. Upon his move to San Diego he bought Clairemont Village Dry Cleaners which he owned for 19 years. He retired when he was 59. Ron lived in Bay Park for 32 years in the Villa Pacific Apartments and had a panoramic view of San Diego. He loved San Diego. He would sit out on his balcony and watch all the happenings from planes taking off to everything in Mission Bay. He moved to San Diego to be near the water because he loved boating and water skiing. Ron loved Hawaii. He went there every year and made it his second home. Ron was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved his family and was loved by his family. Ron is survived by 4 children. Lori Ann Jolley (Gary Jolley), Vicki Shaw, Michael Glenn Sassano (S. Lynn Sassano) and Kathy Roseland (Steve Roseland). 6 Grandchildren, Kari Glover (Jeff Glover), William Jolley (Shannon Smietana), Brian Roseland (Leslie Roseland), Alexa Roseland, Doug Shaw & Brad Shaw 5 Great Grandchildren, Sydney Glover, Emma Glover, Cole Glover, Grant Roseland & Hadley Roseland Ron is also survived by his sister Joyce Sassano Vars, nephew Jeff Vars, niece Dina Vars Moran (Rich Moran), grandniece Jacqueline Moran and grandnephew Nicholas Moran. Ron had a rich and rewarding life – he passed away from complications of heart disease. He passed away holding hands with and surrounded by his loving family. Private services to be held in June, 2016.