Leonard Joseph “Joe” Ronan, 60, a native of Montgomery and a resident of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, died Tuesday, May 6, 2008.
He was the former acquatics director with the Gulf Shores Parks and Recration Center in Gulf Shores.
He was a devoted Catholic and loving husband and father. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus of St. Thomas By The Sea Catholic Church.
He was an Auburn University graduate where he earned his master’s degree in physical education. He used his knowledge and love for children as well as sports by being a coach to many.
He coached for city league teams such as baseball, softball, basketball, football and soccer, to name a few. He was also an extremely talented poet and artist.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Joseph Ronan Sr.
Survivors include his mother, Mary Frances Cheatham Ronan of Montgomery; his loving wife, Margaret Ann Methvin Ronan of Gulf Shores; two sons, Isaac Ronan of Gulf Shores and Joseph (Shellie) Ronan of Orange Beach; four daughters, Carol (Chad) Ronan Ritter of Foley; Leeanna Culberson of Gulf Shores, Megan Palmer of Gulf Shores and Emily Palmer of Gulf Shores; two granddaughters, Chrislyn Ritter of Foley and Juliana Hilton of Orange Beach; one grandson, Casey Ritter of Foley; brother, John (Amy) Ronan of Montgomery; three sisters, Emily (Mike) Hussey of Verbena, Nancy (Woody) Woddbury of Tuscaloosa and Cathleen (Tot) Daniels of Jacksonville.
Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. with funeral services at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 10 at St. Thomas By The Sea in Orange Beach with Father Jim officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Rest Memorial Park, Foley.
The family requests memorial donations be made to Christian Life Church, 25550 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561, St. Thomas By The Sea Knights of Columbus, 26547 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL 36561, or to Orange Beach Parents Sports Association, P.O. Box 458, Orange Beach, AL 36561.
Arrangements are by Pine Rest Funeral Home Inc., Foley.
