Ronald Spisso Obituary

Ronald J. Spisso

Oct. 2, 1949 – Nov. 27, 2023

ALSEA – Ronald J. Spisso, 74, of Alsea, Oregon, died in the early hours on Monday morning, November 27th 2023. Ron had been diagnosed with Myasthenia gravis several years ago and was briefly hospitalized for the condition in 2016. Since then, he had been managing his condition with medications, until his symptoms worsened late in 2023, and eventually succumbing to his illness. A celebration of life will be held for him on May 19th at 2pm at The Thyme Garden in Alsea, Oregon.

Ron’s family includes his longtime partner and wife, Carol McWilliams, who died in November 2021, his children, Ann Woods of Monmouth, OR. Matt Stark of Albany, OR, Nils Stark of Eugene, OR and his nephew, Joey Sanders of Springfield, OR. Also, his sister, Joanne Sanders of Autin TX, and brothers Ken Spisso of Pennsylvania and David Spisso of South Carolina. David also passed away early in 2023. Ron is survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews around the country.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mildred (Millie) Spisso in the late 1970s.

Ron was born October 2, 1949, in Plainfield, N.J. As a teenager, he earned an Eagle Scout badge, and was on the high school wrestling team before graduating from Watchung Hills Regional High School in 1967. He then attended Villanova University in 1967 for two years, transferring to Boston University in 1969 where he graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology in 1971.

He moved to Barnegat Light N.J. in 1972 to help his parents open and run the Inlet Delicatessen, which they had recently purchased. After Ron lost both his parents in the late 70s, he took over full control and ownership of the deli. He expanded services, such as offering catering for party cruises and family celebrations. In his spare time, Ron began collecting and accumulating historical photos of Barnegat Light and recording interviews with many of the older locals, becoming an unofficial historian for the town. He remodeled the deli several times, integrating the business into the fabric of the Barnegat Light community. Then, with 18 great years in business under his belt, he finally sold it in 1990. He and his wife, Carol, could fulfill their goal to relocate to Oregon. They were drawn to all its natural beauty and opportunities. His three grown children also relocated to Oregon from New Jersey and started families there.

Soon after moving to Oregon, in 1991 Ron landed a job at Oregon Coast Community College as Small Business Coordinator, where he worked until he retired in 2015. He attended Oregon State University and received his MBA (Master of Business Administration) in 1994. In 2004, Ron and Carol built a beach front house in Yachats Oregon. Designed by long-time, close, extended family member Kurt Albrecht, as a destination, vacation rental. They named it The Seacure House. For 15 years it served as the place to hold all family gatherings and parties. Until they sold it in 2021.

Family was important to “Ron Daddy” and he cast a wide net. Adding to his family with his kids’ friends as well as his own. Everyone was welcome in their house. He enjoyed spending time with Carol at their dream home paradise in the coast range at the base of Mary’s Peak just outside the town of Alsea, along the Alsea River. He loved planning family gatherings and events and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Ron was forever loving and thoughtful toward his close and extended family. Always showing genuine curiosity as to what was happening in their lives. His favorite thing was to write to, call and stay connected with his many friends and family members. In their later years, Ron and Carol enjoyed caring for and raising their beloved dogs, Mira and Clare. As Carol’s health began to decline in 2019, he dedicated himself to ensuring she had the best care possible in her final years.

Ron left an indelible mark on so many people’s lives, in both New Jersey and Oregon. Making and keeping strong connections was one of his many gifts to this world. Ron will be loved and missed forever. One of his favorites of many phrases he liked to say was “It’s a wonderful life!” Ron’s truly was.

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Published by Albany Democrat-Herald on May 4, 2024.