Ronald Rolland Obituary

His kindness and generosity to others as well known among his circle of acquaintances he left behind a loving wife Maryann Armando.
Ron was an accomplished and respected radio/television announcer and voiceover actor. He was gifted with a rich resonate voice, which served him well during a long successful career. Ron move to his first full-time position at WDHF FM and grew his reputation eventually working for WNUS AM/FM WTTW, WRSV, WFMF, WMAQ, WGN, WBBM,WLS/TV spending about 20 years at channel 7, he retired in 2007 along the way, he also established a successful career as a voiceover actor for advertising announcements and film, notable spots included Hubert the Harris lion, Kellogg´s Raisin Bran, Nestea, United Airlines Kemper Insurance and Abraham Lincoln`s portrait among many others. In addition to his work in front of the microphone Ron had an active interest in recording. And technology behind the mics, he built an elaborate recording studio in his former home and enjoyed doing live recordings with a critical ear. He was terrific at selecting excellent equipment and achieved great results and avid audio file. He maintained a Topflite audio system at home and had an extensive collection of recordings, it hurt him greatly when he had to finally part with his vast recorded anthology he loved to collaborate with those who shared his interest and was very generous to as many friends and colleagues.
Ron was kind of all. Quick to recognize talent. He was very supportive of rising artists. He became good friends with David Yonan, a gifted violist from Germany, trying to establish a career in the United States.
A product of the 60s when it was fashionable to have a cigarette in one hand and a martini in the other as he called it "swave and blade"(suave and blasé)
Ron developed lung cancer. He suffered complications after surgery and nearly left us then. He recovered, but suffered much pain and reduced capacity the last few years. His wife, Mary Ann was a blessing and cared for him, acting as a strong advocate with his medical team.
Ron left behind many memories with friends and colleagues who loved him, respected him and learned from him as Harry Porterfield made clear in one of his TV segments "someone you should know" well done, good and faithful servant, and thank you.
Ron and I met on a blind date and that was the beginning of a beautiful relationship.We traveled to Punta Cana every year to get away from the city. We loved our fur babies Miss Kitty, Ella & Billie, who are with you now. You were a caring sharing man and I miss you very much to a life. Ron asked for so little and gave so much.
I miss you a little too much a little too often and a bit more every day a silent thought a secret tear keeps your memory every deer. tonight I sleep with you in my heart .
published in Chicago tribune from September 13, 2024.

Hello my Darling
I have a candle going for your birthday today. I miss you so much!! Hugs and kisses.
I love you forever ! Mar

A wonderful guy, first met in Evanston in the eary 80's. So many good times, glad we were able to reconnect, if even for a short time.

In loving memory of a great person and true friend..
May your soul rest in Heaven..

Leaves

When the tops of trees
Turn red and gold
I will remember you

Seeing the trees
Before the leaves fall
Only tinted with color

I never knew it would be
Your last season
Those leaves
Tinted gold and red
They whisper softly
I will remember you

I miss you Ron I miss you so much. I miss you so much.

When I started working as a doorman in the building that Ron lived in I was not sure what to expect or if I had what it took to be a doorman at such a high paced multi working building. Some of the people I came across were bitter and entitling because of who they were and what they have done in their lives with no respect to give; but that was not the case with Ron at all, he made my life easier, he made working as a doorman fun and comforting because he treated you with respect and showed you love as long as you did the same in return but I never met a man that was as welcoming as him or as generous. Even amongst my colleagues they would tell you just how great of a person Ron was and really treated you like a close friend and to me he will always be considered a great friend. When my daughter was born, I remember telling Ron and Maryann about the news and they were so happy for me, they even got me a blanket with her name on it that I still cherish to this day, its one of the greatest gifts anyone could have gotten me for my daughter and was her favorite blanket while she was here with us still. Im happy I was able to see him days before his passing, I can still hear his voice in my head telling me to stop by the following week so we could have a chat; Its nice recounting all the countless memories I have of him and the funny things he said in the past, such an easy going soul he had. If only we had a little more time to make more.

You will be missed dearly great friend, Godspeed on your journey Ron and you truly will always have a special place in my heart.

I met Ron and Maryann first as their realtor and quickly became a friend. Ron was the quintessential gentleman. He was bright, funny, always engaging and always so thoughtful. I'm so sorry he suffered so much these past years, but luckily had his beautiful Maryann at his side to make life better. I hope you're now at peace and we'll remember the good time of how you made us laugh.

Ron, my friend, I remember when we played baseball and hockey at Brother Rice. You were always in great spirits and very funny. You were fun to be around.
I'm so glad we recently got together at Dublin's on Rush Street for lunch. We laughed and laughed. Plenty of old stories and memories were regaled.
Tell some jokes in heaven, and enjoy . You made the world a better place, you will be missed.

Ron was the quintessential gentleman. I met him and Maryann as their realtor and we quickly became friends. He was so bright and witty and always so engaging and caring. I'm so sorry he suffered so long. He was so lucky to have shared the love and support of his beautiful Maryann. I hope he's now at peace.

Rest in peace Ron. May God surround your loved ones with peace and comfort. We´ve all lost a dear friend. Prayers and sympathy.

Rest in peace Dear Friend of more than fifty years. In our youth and throughout our life journeys you have always held a special place in our hearts,
We will miss you .
Tom and Patty

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.Nick & Jeanne

Dear Ron, we were great friends for 50 years. 1973-2023. You mentored me as a teenager and molded me into a journalist/broadcaster. I will be in your debt and my duty now is to pay it forward as you did with me. I will cherish our friendship, the phone calls, laughs and ballgames. All of us here will do our best to keep your memory alive and show love, kindness and caring to Maryann. You will be missed. Thank you for being my friend.
Dan Ronan.