Stephen Ronge

Stephen Michael Ronge Sr. May 24, 1952 – March 9, 2019   Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, born on May 24, 1952 in Los Angeles, California to Frank Howard Ronge and Elizabeth Jane Burke Ronge, passed away suddenly from an apparent heart attack in his home on March 9, 2019, in Palmdale, CA. Originally from the San Fernando Valley he graduated from St. Genevieve High School in 1971. He joined the US Navy in 1972 and served as an Aviation Electrician aboard the USS Kitty Hawk CVA-63. He was honorably discharged in 1978 after 6 years of combined service.   He met Amparo Garcia, the love of his life, while working at Star Optical in 1971 in Tarzana, California. When they met, neither spoke the same language, regardless it was love at first sight and love found a way. After transferring from active duty to the active reserves, they were married on September 7, 1974 and went on to have eleven children and twenty-four grandchildren.   A passionately religious man well known by his congregation he was often found at his church (St. Mary's) praying  and worshipping.  He had several hobbies but especially enjoyed working on cars, studying the weather, playing cards (and winning) and spending his time in his favorite rocking recliner watching the weather channel or Catholic mass on t.v.. Otherwise, he would often be found dropping  off or picking up his grandkids at school, sporting events, and family gatherings.   A U.S. Navy Veteran, he was fiercely devoted to his Catholic faith, loving wife and family. Stephen is survived by his wife, Amparo, 11 children: Stephen Jr., Joseph, Andres, Elizabeth, Patricia, Carol, Linda, Brian, Jessica, John, and Veronica, 24 grandchildren, 7 siblings and many nieces and nephews. A giving, gentle, patient, kind, and loving man, he will be greatly missed.   A Eucharistic Celebration of Stephen Michael Ronge Thursday March 21, 2019 Mass 12:00pm St Mary’s Catholic Church 1600 E Ave R-4, Palmdale 93550   Followed by: Chapel of the Valley Mortuary 1755 E Ave R. Palmdale 93550 2:00-2:30pm Rosary 2:30-4:30pm Eulogies 4:30-6:30pm Open Viewing   Burial Wednesday March 27, 2019 1:30pm Miramar National Cemetery 5795 Nobel Dr San Diego, CA