CANALE, Ronald (Ron) Edward

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, April 05, 2011 Ronald Edward Canale January 7, 1935 - April 1, 2011 Ron Canale, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away on April 1, 2011. Ron is survived by his wife of 52 years LaFon. Born to Louis D. and Dorothy E. (O'Rourke) Canale on Jan. 7, 1935 in Fitchburg, Mass. Ron grew up in Fitchburg, Mass. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to serve his country. Ron was stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho where he met and married his wife LaFon. In Idaho, Ron and LaFon welcomed their first child Debi and Ron worked at the Amalgamated Sugar Factory in Nampa, Idaho before moving to Seligman, Ariz. in 1960 to work for the Federal Aviation Administration. Ron worked for the FAA as an electronic technician for 37 years. While in Seligman Ron and LaFon had three more children Rhonda, Craig and Bret. Ron was transferred to Prescott in 1993, and Ron and LaFon made their home in Prescott Valley since that time. Ron is survived by his wife LaFon; children, Debi Gustafson (Arthur) of Prescott Valley, Ariz., Rhonda Smith (Steve) of Seligman, Ariz., Craig Canale (Jennifer) of Mangum, Okla., Bret Canale (Ronda) of Tucson, Ariz.; eight grandchildren, Ashlee Smith, Jimmy Spencer, Hayley Smith, Johnny Spencer, Maxwell Gustafson, Liam Canale, Rowan Canale and Brenda Canale; brother Richard Canale (Lin) of Greenville, Tenn.; sister Nancy LaPrade of Fitchburg, Mass.; aunt Sarah Santandrea of Enfield, Conn.; uncle Freddie Canale (Rita) of Fitchburg, Mass.; and many nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents and brother Albino Canale. Ron's sense of humor and love of life were a lifelong inspiration to his children and grandchildren. He taught everyone around him the joys of life whether small or large. Ron enjoyed life and spending time with family especially his grandchildren. Grandpa (Grampy) took time to play with the kids and each of them loved their one-on-one time learning and exploring with him. We will miss his smiles and laughs and thank God for the wonderful memories and times we shared. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at St. Germaine's Catholic Church. He will be laid to rest at Heritage Memory Gardens. Sunrise Funeral Home and Crematory was entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit www.sunrisefuneralhome.com to sign Ron's online guestbook. Information provided by survivors.