Ronald J. Ceravolo

Ronald J. Ceravolo

Newark---Ronald J. Ceravolo,76, He’s talking basketball with Jesus now—probably debating the best way to defend the pick and roll and explaining how the three-pointer has completely changed the game since he first started coaching 57 years ago. Ronald James “Coach Ron” Ceravolo could talk hoops forever, and brag about his beloved family and now he has eternity to do so. After a courageous battle with cancer, Ron passed peacefully on Thursday, October 16, surrounded by family and love. He didn’t lose his fight with that terrible disease; he simply ran out of time after 76 years of a life that was full, meaningful, and deeply impactful.

Friends may call on Friday, October 24 from 3–6 p.m. at Paul L. Murphy & Sons Funeral Home, 127 E. Miller St., Newark, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 25 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael Church, 401 S. Main St., Newark, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Newark Tipoff Club 418 East Ave Newark, NY 14513.

Ron was born on April 25, 1949, in Newark, New York, and he never once thought about leaving—Newark was home. The first child of Vincent and Beverly Ceravolo, he grew up playing sports and he had a quiet confidence that made people naturally follow him. At 19, he picked up a whistle and started coaching basketball at St. Michael School. It didn’t take long for everyone to realize he wasn’t just a coach; he was a teacher, a mentor, and a natural leader. Kids listened to him, and maybe even more importantly, he listened to them.

At 29, he decided to go back to school and earn his teaching degree from SUNY Brockport so he could keep doing what he loved, working with young people. He joined Newark High School in 1982 and became varsity head coach just a few years later. For the next 23 seasons, he poured his heart into that program. Yes, his teams won championships and packed gyms and made the town proud but what mattered most to him were the players. He loved watching an uncertain freshman grow into a confident senior. He loved seeing his players come back years later, now with families of their own, still calling him “Coach.”

As much as Ron loved basketball, it always came second to the true love of his life—his family. He married his wife, Helen, 49 years ago, and from that day on they were a team in every way. They built a life full of love, laughter, unshakable loyalty, and memories that will be told for generations. One of their happiest places was Keuka Lake, where summers meant boat rides, cookouts, sunsets on the water, and long talks on the porch surrounded by family.

Ron was a proud dad to his three children—Tammy, Frank, and Tim—and he never missed a chance to brag about them. He also loved his two daughters-in-law, Debra and Melissa. Becoming a grandfather made his world even better, and he absolutely adored Emily Lim, who is married to Jet Lim, and Pierce Rayne Burm. He also cared deeply for his step-grandchildren, Taylor and Abigail Hobbs, and lit up around his great-grandchildren Ivy and Hudson Lim and step great-grandchild Kenji Morales. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Adams, brother Vince and his wife Sylvia, and brother Tim and his wife Amanda, along with several nieces and nephews.

Some of Ron’s family members passed while he was still with us, including his father and mother, stepfather Don VanHoover, and brother-in-law Bruce Adams.

Family wasn’t just important to Ron—it was everything to him. And to his family, he was their rock. The Ceravolo family would like to thank everyone for the incredible outpouring of love, prayers, and support during Ron’s illness. Your kindness meant more than words can say.

www.murphyandsonsfuneralhome.com