Ronald Cleon Smith

HUBBARD Ronald Cleon Smith, 80, passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family. Ron was born July 25, 1943, in New Haven, Connecticut, the son of Cleon and Virginia (Cross) Smith. He graduated in 1961 from Vienna High School.

Ron, along with his wife, Rosemarie, built a successful and well respected construction business called Smith Framing and Construction. He started as a three man crew and grew the business to multiple crews that framed homes throughout Trumbull and Mahoning County. His joy was building residential homes, but he was also contracted to frame the local Pizza Huts, Taco Bells, and Wendy’s. Ron, as a mentor, shared his knowledge, dedication, and integrity of construction with his son, Dave, who now carries on the family tradition. As a team, Ron and Rosemarie, ran their business for 48 years before beginning their next chapter, which was retirement.

Ron was not one for idle time; even in retirement, he kept busy. One might say his hobby was helping others. He used his many talents and skills to create and serve those around him. He was often referred to as MacGyver. As a result, Ron was the person who family and friends turned to when they needed any assistance around their home from repairs to upgrades to yard work or even mechanical repairs. All of this he did out of the goodness of his heart with no expectations in return for he lived to serve those around him.

What really put a sparkle in his beautiful, blue eyes was his wife, Rosemarie, who was his best friend and true love of his life. They shared 61 years of marriage, building a family, a business, and just enjoying life. One of their earlier pastimes was tallying many miles riding their motorcycles along the back streets of Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, or along the Florida coastline. Some of these adventures were in casinos playing his favorite games. As a father, Ron’s life centered around his family, whether it was vacationing, camping, boating, Friday night dinners, or helping his children with multiple projects. He lived for his family.

A quality that could not be overlooked was Ron’s witty sense of humor which left everyone with a smile on their face. This sense of humor touched many lives building a blessing of wonderful friendships. Six days a week, he would meet with his closest friends at Panera or the local coffee shop. It was there, they would solve all the world's problems for the day. Over the years, these coffee shop friendships deepened into an extension of his family.

Many people knew Ron as the little, old man with white hair that scooted around Hubbard on his pride and joy, his black 1946 Cushman. As a 13 year old, his Cushman helped him deliver one hundred daily copies of the Tribune Chronicle. And years later, using his MacGyver skills, Ron restored his Cushman and was again scooting around the roads of Hubbard with the wind in his hair and feeling like the 13 year old boy who delivered newspapers. He won’t be scooting around Hubbard anymore, instead he will be scooting around in Heaven.

Ron will be deeply missed by his wife of 61 years, Rosemarie Theresa (Walley) Smith; his two children, Beverly (David) Anderson of Hubbard and David (Molly) Smith of Hartford; three grandchildren, Michael Anderson, Mikayla Smith, Jacqueline (John) Stanko; and two great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Cleon Smith; sister, Rayne Brubaker; and brother, Wesley Smith.

Family and friends may call on Monday, April 22 at St. Patrick Church from 11:00 am to 12:45 pm with a mass to follow at 1:00 pm with The Very Rev. Michael Swierz officiating.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to St. Patrick Church, 225 N. Main St., Hubbard, OH 44425 in honor of Ron’s memory.

Arrangements are being handled by the Kelley-Cummins Funeral Home.

Please visit www.kcummins.com to view this obituary and send condolences to the family.

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