Ronald Allan Smith, 66 of Homestead, FL, passed peacefully on November 19, 2022 in Largo, FL, with his brother at his side. He was born on January 6, 1956 to Mary Lynn (Witunski) and Robert E. Smith II of Benton, IL. Ron lost the love of his life, Kathleen Marie O’Neill Smith on September 16, 2022 after 37 years of marriage. He is survived by mother, Mary Lynn Witunski Smith, of Tampa, FL; brother, Robert E. (Pam) Smith III of Largo; sister, Rebecca Nelson of Tampa, FL; sister, Robbie (Chris) Graham of Warren MI; and uncle, Skip Witunski of Tampa, FL. Also, beloved nieces and nephews, Lindsey (Diego)Tula; Ryan Graham; James (Rachel) Nelson; Abby (Dan) Gili; Bert Smith; Josh Smith; Mary Smith; and great nieces: Gentry, Ella and Mia; mother-in-law Jean Thomson; sister-in-law, Laurie (Tom) Bowen; and Kathy’s nieces and nephews: Michael; Amanda; Katie; Jake; and Ali. As well as many close family friends and neighbors.
Ron was preceded in death by his spouse, Kathleen Marie O’Neill Smith; father, Robert E. Smith II; maternal grandparents Bernard J. and Mary (Sweet) Witunski; paternal grandparents Geoffrey and Ruby (Fowler) Smith; and many dear family members and friends. Southern Illinois rooted, graduate of St. John the Baptist Catholic School and Frankfort Community High School in West Frankfort, IL; attended Southern Illinois University and Illinois State University. Ron began his career in real estate in Bloomington, IL; relocated to Miami, FL with Citi Bank as a real estate closing agent; founded Greater Miami Title Company in Homestead, FL and GMT Construction, Inc of Homestead, FL. Ron enjoyed champagne toasts with his wife, Kathy, spending time with family and friends, cooking, traveling, hunting, fishing, watching westerns, reminiscence of family farm experiences, and keeping in touch with childhood friends. Ron and Kathy had many close friends and neighbors throughout their lives in Homestead, FL, where they called home for over 30 years. Ron told great stories usually beginning with “And there I was…”
His typical response to “Hi, how are you today?”: “Never had a bad day and never told a lie.” Ron was always the popular uncle and older wiser brother. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, especially his quick wit and dry humor.
A funeral mass for Ron will be said at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 106 SE 1st Drive, Homestead, FL 33030, at 10 am on Saturday, February 4, 2023. Immediately following the mass, a celebration of Ron’s life will be held at the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge, 15490 SW 288th Street, Homestead, FL 33033. Please join us for a champagne toast, brunch, and
many good stories! Burial will be at a later date at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in West Frankfort, IL.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: Your favorite charity or St. John the Baptist Catholic School,702 E. Poplar St., West, Frankfort, IL 62896 or
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Homestead, FL : https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Giving/sacredhearthomestead
Arrangements entrusted to Veterans Funeral Care.
no one can prepare you for a loss!it comes like a swift wind.take comfort in knowing Ron is resting in the arms of our Lord. ron will be fondly missed by all.
Ron, rest in peace. Now you and Kathy are together again.
I will cherish all the memories I have with Ron and Kathy. There are many! They were God Parents to my second born and we had some really-really fun times together!! I worked with Ron at Greater Miami Title for many years. We enjoyed many card games, Parties, went through Hurricane Andrew together, they were great babysitters and Ron made the BEST Eggs Benedict ever. Rest in Peace my Dear Friend and give Kathy my best! Until we meet again.
Love Kris “BOZ”
I am so sorry to receive this and hear that Ron has passed. Ron and I were friends and coworkers in the 90s and we continued to be friends since that time. Ron was an inspiration and a good man.
Mark E. Rousso, Esquire
It is so sad to hear of Ron’s passing. What a wonderful friend and person to work for. Always full of joy and smiles. So true he would tell me everyday, that he had never had a bad day even when I knew we had all had one. I will always remember his smile and warm hello. He always lit up a room when he entered. So glad I met and worked with such a wonderful person. May God hold you in eternity, Ron. Love Ruben. 💐
My deepest condolences to the entire family!
Ron was a very special person, I took a lot of affection for his kindness and generosity!
Rest in peace Ron with your love Kathy
Many good memories with Ron in the Perrine Cutler Ridge Kiwanis. Bar-B-Q’s, Can food drives, and always providing for the children in need. I will always remember his smile, humor, and kindness. How blessed we all were to be friends.