Ronald A. Cimaroli

PORTAGE  --  Ronald A. Cimaroli, age 69, of Lewiston Township, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Ron was born on February 28, 1946 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of John A. and Ann (Almasi) Cimaroli.  He served his country with the U. S. Army.  Ron was married to Melody Ingraham on June 28th, 1968 (or the 29th) at St. Mary Catholic Church in Portage.  Together they owned and operated Cimaroli’s Restaurant for many years.

Upon the insistence of his father, John, he attended beauty school in 1964.  After his graduation, he worked at numerous salons.  Finding that profession unfulfilling, he pursued a musical career.  He played with many small groups.  In the early years it was a struggle having to change their name just to book a gig.  Finally, forming the Cimmy Five the music started to flow.  Following that, the band, Bing-Bang and the Entertainers was erected.  With their first job being at Percy’s in Portage, their pay was generated through passing a hat. Eventually, they were offered different playing jobs in Madison and various popular spots through-out Wisconsin.  Shortly after joining his family at the Hillside, the Cimaroli family opened Cimaroli’s Supper Club.  While maintaining the restaurant, Ron dabbled in other business ventures.  Two of his main hobbies outside of work were fishing and cars, often bragging about his 2,500 bass caught in 2008.  His wife thinks that he caught the same fish over and over.  However, he received the greatest joy from watching his grandchildren’s extracurricular activities.  Of highest importance was spending time with his loving wife and family and the bond that they shared.  Because of this, he will forever be remembered and missed.  Ron was, and forever will be, a legend in his own time.

He is survived by his wife, Melody;  his children, Jodi (Tryge) Jepson, Plain, Jamie (Tracy) Cimaroli, Township of Lewiston, and Amy (Chuck Porter) Cimaroli, Township of Lewiston;  his grandchildren, Cory Jepson, Christopher Jepson, Chance Jepson, Sophia Jepson, Julia Jepson, Fabson Jepson, Sawyer and Alex “Diggy” Cimaroli;  five great-grandchildren;  his sister, Judy Cimaroli, Portage;  a special cousin, Anthony (Brenda) Giannetti, Chicago Heights, IL;  his nieces and nephew, Brandy Cimaroli, Tracie Cimaroli, and Anthony Cimaroli; sisters-in-law, Lona Eberlein, May Rodgers, and Nancy Spillner; other near relatives and many close friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother, Katy Cimaroli, his brother, John Cimaroli, Jr., his sister, Patti Ann Cimaroli; mother-in-law, Leona; father-in-law Willis; brothers-in-law; and sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2015 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with Father Grubba officiating.  Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Lewiston Township. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2015 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage.  A celebration of Ron’s life will continue at Cimaroli’s Supper Club following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Cimaroli family for scholarships to be given in Ron’s name.