Dr. Franklin D. Ronan
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Franklin D. Ronan died peacefully in the loving presence of family on May 16, 2024 at the age of 90. Frank was born April 22, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan to Arthur and Josephine Ronan. He graduated from Dearborn High School as a scholar-athlete in football and baseball and received a baseball scholarship to the University of Michigan, earning undergraduate, masters, specialist, and PhD degrees in Journalism and Education. Frank served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 59. While in Germany he was head coach and second baseman for the Kitzingen Red Sox which won the Armed Forces baseball World Series in 1958. Frank's professional work was devoted to advancing public education. He worked 16 years in the Dearborn Public Schools as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and associate superintendent of schools. He also led the development of the data processing department. From 1977 to 1996, Frank served as the Superintendent for the Petoskey Public School district. Frank co-founded (with Kathy Biggs) the Petoskey Education Foundation to support educational programs in Petoskey community schools. Always active in professional and community service, Frank served as president of the Dearborn U of M alumnae club, the Northern Michigan Community Mediation organization, the Northern Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators, and the Kiwanis Club. He was awarded one of the Rotary Club's highest honors for community service. Frank's life was guided by his deep faith and family. His enduring love for his parents, step-father Anthony "Mac" Szezcesny, and siblings (the late Lorraine Teper, Art Ronan, and Donna Lenski) were the foundation of his character. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Carol Assenmacher. He was a loving father to Carrie (Tim) Chandler, Kristen (Dan) Siepker and Amy (Mike) Pohlod. He was a cherished grandfather to Craig Chandler, Marinell Chandler, Liz (Markus) Miller, Sam Siepker, Elle Pohlod and Michael Pohlod. Family will receive friends Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 4-8PM with a 7PM Rosary at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave. (btwn 13-14 Mile), Royal Oak, (248) 549-0500. Funeral Mass on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 10AM at St. Hugo of the Hills - Stone Chapel, 2215 Opdyke Rd, Bloomfield Hills. Visitation at the church begins at 9:30AM. A private internment will be at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Petoskey Education Foundation Fund in memory of Dr. Franklin D. Ronan,1130 Howard Street, Petoskey, Michigan 49770.
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