Ronald Harold Greenberg, cherished husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on Dec. 22 at St. Luke’s Hospice House at the age of 94.
A graveside burial was held on Dec. 24 at Rose Hill Cemetery (6900 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64118). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Luke’s Hospice House, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City or Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Adrianne Mallin Greenberg; daughter, Lisa Cohen (Lenny); son, Tony Greenberg; Lisa’s sons, Brian Bloch (Allison) and Nick Bloch; and grandchildren Macy, Charlotte and Harrison Bloch.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 13, 1929, Ronny was a fine high school athlete in both basketball and football at Pembroke Country Day School. He was part owner of a chain of Streets ladies clothing stores and worked six days and two nights a week for more than 25 years.
He was a state champion skeet shooter and an excellent archer who went on two bow and arrow safaris in Africa. In addition, at the age of 57, he became a marathon runner (in New York and Las Vegas), a long-distance bicyclist, a dog obedience trainer and tracking judge, a fine target shooter and, most importantly to him, an excellent fly fisherman.
After his retirement, he became a tireless volunteer. He was active in CONTACT, a suicide prevention hotline in Oklahoma City, and he spoke in many schools teaching young teens how to recognize signs of depression in their peers and what to do about it. His efforts undoubtedly saved lives. He was also a docent at the OKC Memorial Bombing Museum, a 60-year Jewish Federation fundraiser, and, though he never personally served in the Armed Forces, he volunteered at VA facilities to meet and thank servicemen and women.
He and his wife, Adrianne, loved traveling, cruising, smoking BBQ and eating fine foods (especially mussels), and he enjoyed a gin martini, later in life transitioning to single malt scotch (preferably Glenlivet), always with a giant-sized ice cube.
Ronny will always be remembered for his quick wit, wonderful sense of humor and his love of fine cigars. Special love to Brian Bloch and family and Nicholas Bloch for bringing much joy and comfort to Ronny during this last year. He will truly be missed. The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers, Mina Tubei, William Cormack, Sophia Masagati, Linda and Reuben Glover, Del and Carlotta Rivera, and a special thanks to the St. Luke’s Hospice House.
Online condolences may be left for the family at louismemorialchapel.com.
