Ronald Tomassoni

Ronald P. Tomassoni, 78, of 222 W. Antoine St. in Iron Mountain, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010, at his home. Ron was born April 29, 1932, in Iron Mountain, to Violet (Serena) and the late Peter A. Tomassoni. He attended school in Iron Mountain graduating in 1950. He then attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, graduating in 1954. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served for two years. During this time, he was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, and then served in Korea, finishing his tour of service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. After his discharge, he moved back to Iron Mountain, where he began working for Fleury, Singler & Co. In 1961, Ron took over his father's business, Recreation Lanes. He saw the popularity of bowling as a way to bring inexpensive entertainment to the residents of both Iron Mountain and Kingsford. In 1978, he opened Recreation Lanes of Kingsford and in 1984 purchased the old water filtration plant on the northside of Iron Mountain and developed the land, transforming a vacant swampy lot into what is now Antoine Plaza. Located in Antoine Plaza are the businesses Recreation Lanes of Iron Mountain, Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn Express. He enjoyed working with students and formed an after-school youth bowling program. Students from Iron Mountain and Breitung Township schools have enjoyed participating in this program over the years. It was always Ron's dream to see bowling as an accredited varsity letter sport in Michigan's high schools, and he worked tirelessly to fulfill that vision. In 2005, bowling became a varsity sport in the state of Michigan, sanctioned by the Michigan High School Athletic Association. His Iron Mountain High School varsity bowling teams attended local conference, regional and state tournaments. In 2009, his IMHS boys bowling team placed first in the Division 3 State Tournament, bringing the first state championship bowling trophy to Iron Mountain High School. Ron was a member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. He also belonged to Oak Crest Golf Club, was an avid bowler and season-ticket holding Packer fan. Ron was a charter member of the Jaycees, past member of Pine Grove Country Club and served on the board of directors for the Bowling Centers Association of Michigan. He was inducted into the Tri Area Bowling Hall of Fame in 1994 for his dedication and service to the sport of bowling in our area. He founded the Michigan High School Interscholastic Bowling Coaches Association and served as its first president. In 2009, the Michigan High School Athletic Association honored Ron by naming him the 2009 High School Bowling Coach of the Year. The city of Iron Mountain also presented Ron with a proclamation at a city council meeting in April of this year, acknowledging all he has done for the youth of Iron Mountain and the sport of bowling. Ron is survived by his wife of 55 years, Angie; a son, Peter J. (Cathy) Tomassoni and their sons, Joseph and Albert; a daughter, Paula (Shawn) Hepinstall and their children, Megan (Rhett) Cleveland and Matthew Hepinstall; and his mother, Violet Tomassoni. Visitation will be Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon at St. Mary and St. Joseph Church in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will follow at 12 noon at the church. Fr. Daniel Zaloga will offer the Mass of the Christian Burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. Pallbearers will be the members of Ron's 2009 State Championship bowling team. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory. Condolences to the family of Ronald P. Tomassoni can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the funeral arrangements.

Ronald Tomassoni

October 19, 1932 - October 19, 2010