Ronald James Newby, 54, passed away on October 29th, 2024. Ron was born in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, but moved to Florida as an infant. He loved Pinellas County and never wanted to live anyplace else. Growing up he played football, baseball, and took Karate lessons, all while developing his great love and admiration for the Tampa Bay Bucs and Tampa Bay Rays. He enjoyed watching the games, the camaraderie of rooting for his home teams, the beer, the snacks, and wearing one of his 36 jerseys whenever he could. Describing him as an avid fan is like calling Niagara Falls a little trickle of water.
Ron was an outgoing, fun-loving, grown-up kid, and delighted in being a prankster. There was a rubber roach that was involved in a great deal of activity, 1000's of bad Dad jokes, and his own brand of "insult comedy". Ron loved to cook and especially enjoyed training new hires in the kitchens that he worked. He considered himself their instructor not only in cooking, but in life in general, and would tell them: "all the effort and money I've put into you, and I still can't count you off my taxes". Sometimes they asked if he was picking on them, or mad at them, but came to understand that it was his version of "tough love" and that he wanted to make people laugh. The shenanigans were balanced by his generosity and kindness. He often gifted his spaghetti or gumbo for birthdays, celebrations or at someone's request.
This man loved to sing and seemed to know the lyrics of every song played on the radio for the past 40 years. He considered himself a master at guitar hero and bragged that he was "ranked in the world". We aren't sure about that, but he REALLY loved to play.
Keeping up with family, childhood friends, old and new neighbors, and helping anyone he could was big on his list. If they shared a cold brew that was even better. He told friends that his wife "saved his life" and "was the best thing that ever happened to me". They spent many days on the water enjoying each other and the beautiful place they called home.
Ron is survived by his wife Gina (Crews) Newby; sisters Sharon (Dan) Monaco, Vera (Jason) Hempstead, Saundra (Nick) Piscitelli, Darlene (Jan) McCurry; his mother, Patricia Phillips, and many nieces and nephews. Ron's life was not long enough for those who love and miss him, but he had a wonderful time while he was here. On several occasions he remarked "if you had told 8-year-old Ron Newby that he was going to have this life, he would have never believed ya".
Ron would have been in his element during our recent election. He enjoyed a lively political discussion and debating left vs. right. He had been counting down to election day and couldn't wait to vote. On that note, and in honor of ALL of his passions, pursuits, and enthusiasm, a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 16th, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM, at Penthouse Groves Clubhouse, 1655 South Highland Ave, Clearwater, Florida 33756.