Dr. Ronald Stephen Ricci died peacefully with his family around him in Medina, Ohio on September 28, 2018 at the age of 70.

Ron is survived by his wife, Dr. Carol Ricci; children, Christopher (Tammy), Nicholas (Julie) and Kelly; siblings, Edwin and Mary Anne Ricci; grandchildren, Simon, Anthony, Sophia and Andrew.

Ron was born on January 2, 1948 to Edwin and Anne Ricci. He graduated from the Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1970. He went on to the College of Dentistry at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio and graduated in 1974 with a degree in Dentistry. After moving to Medina, Ohio, Ron opened his practice in general dentistry, a position in the community that he held for over 40 years.

In 1988, he married Carol Ricci (née Church) and welcomed her into the dental practice in 1989. Together, they provided quality and compassionate dental care to patients from all over the Cleveland area. They also traveled as members of their church providing dental care to rural populations in Mexico. Ron was a devout and dedicated Catholic and a member of St. Francis Xavier Church in Medina, Ohio.

Family and friends meant the world to Ron. His children cherish him as a gentle and optimistic father who encouraged them to pursue their dreams to the fullest. Remembering Ron means remembering that he thought the best of everyone regardless of background or circumstance.

Ron was an avid golfer and member of Westfield Country Club since 1976. He was a life-long Buckeye fan. He served as the Vice-President of the Medina County Arts Foundation where he gave his time to provide opportunities for the arts to thrive in the Medina County area.

Ron was a life-time member and distinguished Fellow of the American Dental Association. He was also a member of the Academy of General Dentistry. He served on the Medina County Dental Association where he held a number of positions over the years including President, Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer. Ron was an active member on the Medina County Board of Health. Ron was a finalist for an award for Excellence in Healthcare Leadership from the Medina County Board of Trustees.

Ron was a generous individual who loved learning and discovery. He traveled all over the world with his wife Carol. With each destination, he had a hobby of photographing brides on their wedding day!  He enjoyed meeting new people.  He was passionate about human well-being and equality. He possessed an insatiable appetite for living life.

The family will receive friends from 2-8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 1, 2018 at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina, OH 44256.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am, Tuesday, October 2, at St. Francis Xavier Church, 606 E. Washington St., Medina 44256. Fr. Tony Sejba will officiate and burial will follow at St. Francis Church Cemetery.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ron's life and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Ideate at 4500 Worth Street, Suite A204, Philadelphia, PA 19124 or on the web at: http://www.rhd.org/support-our-work/?programName=550 . Ideate is a non-profit that supports individuals with developmental disabilities to work in the community and improve their quality of life.

Condolences can be sent to drs.ricci@zoominternet.net .  The family would like to thank Jennifer Bonnett RN, Amelia Arena RN, and so many others at the Cleveland Clinic in Medina for their tireless and exceptional quality of care for Ron and supporting the family during Ron's illness.