Ronald Roy Ballantini

Ron, Ronnie, Naldo, Da, Papa, Papalo, Booger, Big Ron, Mr. B. and Uncle Gum, were many of the names he has been gifted with over his legendary 76 years. Born in Highland Park, Illinois on May 24, 1947 to Nello Ballantini and Evelyn (Ballantini) Stone, Highwood was his childhood hometown. Ron graduated from Highland Park High School in 1965. He served in the United States Air Force from 1965-1969.  He worked as an airplane mechanic and later was assigned to serve in the Vietnam War through rescue and reconnaissance. Upon his return from war,  Ron became an IBEW Local 150 journeyman electrician.  At that time, he also met the love of his life, Sandy, in Deerfield. They quickly fell for each other, dating, dancing, and later married at the Lake Country Court House with their pet beagle,Jeb, as their witness. Hunting and fishing were his favorite pastimes. Sandy was the famous chef of his amazing catches. He worked for Wigdahl Electric for thirty years. He retired at 62 and enjoyed winters in Florida and the family summer home in Waupaca, Wisconsin, spending hours and hours in his mighty Lund, fishing with family and friends.  

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Sandy (Schmidt) Ballantini, son Cory Ballantini and wife Courtney (Collins) Ballantini of Winnetka, Illinois, daughter Lisa (Ballantini Lindell) Popjoy and her husband Christopher Popjoy of Libertyville, Illinois.  His four grandchildren, Julia and Beau Lindell and Graham and Wells Ballantini. Ron was a loving uncle to his nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his brother, Larry Ballantini and sister JanMarie Picchietti who was more his mother than a sister. He leaves behind his many beloved dysfunctional friends. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ron’s honor to the Project Healing Waters, Veterans in need of healing through camaraderie connectedness and fly fishing.