Ronnie Gillette

Ron Gillette, 80, Findlay, Ohio and Labelle, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2023, holding the hand of his loving wife, Ellen. Proceeded in death by his parents, Walter and Rachel (Fox) Gillette and brother, Ed Gillette. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ellen (Hile). He was the proud father of Bill (Stephanie) Gillette and Deb (Ryan) Kocourek; loving grandfather of Nicole Gillette and Chase Kocourek, Caitlin (Ryan) Woods, and Gabrielle DiCioccio; and great grandfather to Rylee and Lucas DiCioccio and Rosalee Woods. He is also survived by niece Rachel Gillette, brother-in-law Darwin (Betty) Hile, nephews Steve (Rhonda) and Rodney Hile, cousins, extended family, and many friends.

Ron was born January 19, 1943, in Englewood, Ohio. He married Ellen on September 27, 1964. They settled in Rawson, Ohio, where they raised their children. Ron was a salesman for Buckeye Auto Parts for 27 years, which fed his love of cars, trucks, tractors, and boats.  Upon his retirement in 1988, he went to the University of Findlay, where he was the manager of the Equine and Pre-Vet Studies, which fed his love of horses. He retired after 12 years, and he and Ellen moved to LaBelle, Florida, where he reinvented himself and became the manager of several orange groves, which he did for 18 years before his final retirement. In Florida he continued his love of vehicles by riding everything from scooters to his beloved Honda Goldwing trike. Ron was a man of many talents and interests. He built 2 of their family homes; from the late ‘60s to the early ‘80s, he was involved in tractor pulling competitions with one of his best friends, Greenie. In addition to restoring tractors for other people, he rebuilt cars, including a 1973 Firebird Formula with and for Bill. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, Deb was on the horse show circuit with 4H, and Ron and Ellen were always involved. The family vacationed every year at Porter's Place in Curtis, Michigan, in the UP, continuing a tradition from Ron's childhood. He loved boating and owned several over his lifetime.  In Florida he took up hunting wild boar with one of his dear friends, Bob.  His family and friends will remember him for his unwavering support and loyalty, his willingness to jump in and help, his quick laugh, and sharp wit.  A celebration of life will be held later. 

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