Ronald Van Cockrill, 57, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 29, 2013 at his home in Virginia Beach, VA as a result of an extended illness. Ron was born March 27, 1956, in Canton, OH to Fred and Gloria Cockrill. He graduated from Alliance High School in 1975 and was a six-year veteran of the United States Navy serving on the USS McInerney (FFG-8) as well as other naval ships on which he saw the world. After his honorable discharge in 1981, he worked in Civil Service for the Department of Defense as an Electronic Technician. He retired in February 2011. Ron was an avid bass fisherman and his love and dedication to the sport won him many awards and trophies. He especially loved his family, the R&R on Chincoteague Island, VA and his faithful little dog, Deja, who misses him very much.
Ron was preceded in death by both paternal and maternal grandparents; his father, harold Frederick Cockrill in 1991; mother, Gloria (Manley) Cockrill in 2010; nephew, Ryan Milanich in 1992; and half-sister, Louise Elaine Schworm in 2004.
Survivors include his former wife, caretaker and best friend, Rita Ryder of Virginia Beach, VA; brother, Fred (Joan) Cockrill of Alliance, OH; half-brother, Rich Schworm (Louise) of Canton, OH; two nieces, Melanie (Andy) Ulbricht, and Tori Cockrill; and one great-nephew, Landon Ryan Ulbricht.
A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, May 1st at 5:30 pm at Family Choice Funerals & Cremations, 5401 Indian River Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23464.
Memorial contributions may be made to Recovery For Life, 3419 VA Beach Blvd, Suite B6, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
Condolences may be offered to the family via the online guest book.
Thank you, Mr. Cockrill, for your dedicated service to our country in the United States Navy.
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Please accept my sincere condolences on Ron’s passing
Ron,
You are a great man with a gigantic heart who has passed way too soon. Many great times were had and I remember them so clearly. May those who knew you remember them also….
I wish you peace in heaven!
The illness that you indured in your final years on this earth is well known to Gloria and I. Unfortunately, many suffer from it and very few understand it. You are now at peace and we are better people having known you. I will miss our long talks and laughter. May God bless your soul.
Ron,
From the 80’s when we met until a few weeks ago when you stopped by the house to see how we were doing, you have been my best friend. See you on the other side brother!
Ron, We were fortunate to have known you and spend time with you. Fondest memories are from our times spent at Lake Gaston.
I will always be greatful for you Ron for the trust and confidence in me many years ago. I would not be the Person I am today without your presence in my life almost 20 years ago. I will miss your conversations. You were a Honest and Caring man. Rest in peace.
So very sorry to hear the news of Ron’s passing. I worked with Ron for many years. He will be missed. May your wonderful memories and his smiling face keep you in your days to come.
To the best Bass fisherman we have known personally and a very good friend indeed rest in peice friend. We will miss you
RIP Ron. Your friends and family are going to miss you big time. You always made us laugh, you had great technical ability and it was always fun to travel with you and it was a blast fishing with you. We all look forward to being with you in eternal life.
Ron – you will be missed far beyond what words can tell. You were a beautiful, kind hearted man. Rita – thank you for all the love you had for Ron and taking such good care of him throughout his illness. May God bless you Rita and be by your side. Ron – Rest In Peace.
May I extend my condolances. Ron was my Government representative at Lockheed Martin. We moved to N. Carolina in 1999. I was very lucky to have been able to lend him my support. He will be missed.
All,
I worked with Ron many years ago, and he was a great person. My deepest sympathies on your loss. If there is fishing in Heaven, I’m sure he will be there.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cockrin family. May the Lord strengthen you through this time of need.
Rest in peace old friend.
We had the pleasure of knowing you for many years. Hate that we lost touch over time but thankful for the memories that are still fresh in our minds. Ron was such a good person, with a heart of gold. We will always remember your laugh, sense of humor and friendship. To his family and Rita, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love Sue Ellen & Jessica
Our sincere sympathy to the family at this time. Your were a great friend, and this illness took you too soon. I will remember all the good times fishing and laughing. I will miss you buddy!
Ron – You were my next door neighbor for 24 years. In that time you were always quiet and respectiveful and a great neighbor. Rest in peace.
Rita – What a great woman you are. God be with you.
I will always remember the good times we shared together on and off the water. Rest in peace Ron.
So many great memories from the days on the McInernery thru the continued dedicated support to the Navy until his retirement. Ron’s smile and chuckle touched the hearts of so many. Rest in peace brother.
To My Cousin, Ronnie, I have only kind & happy memories from my childhood. You gave me a place to stay on my way through town many years ago. You were a gentle soul who will finally have Peace. I will always remember your distinctive laugh & soft smile. To Freddie & family, I offer you my prayers for strength & peace in this time of sorrow. Too much loss too quickly. I love you! Rhonda, & family
Can’t begin to express how sorry I am for the loss of Ronnie. I sad to say never got to know my cousin, but my father Gary Cockrill always spoke highly of him. Prayers to the family!
Fred,
My deepest condolences on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Dan
My deepest sympathy to Freddie and family. It had been a long time since I had seen Ronnie but I have so many fond memories spending holidays and birthdays together during our childhood. May the comfort of knowing that Ronnie is at peace and with our Heavenly Father bring you comfort during this difficult time. With love and sympathy, Lori
It has been many many years since I last saw Ronnie but I have great memories of playing Bumper Pool in the base ment at Thanksgiving Dinners at your home and many Holidays and Cook Outs at Grandma and Grandpa Cockrill’s house. Freddie and Joan I am so sorry for your loss and you are in my prayers. I pray that Ronnie is now at peace in Heaven with God our Heavenly Father.
Sincerely,
Penny
I was so very saddened to hear of Ron’s passing, but know I will see him again. I feel privaledged to have known him and enjoyed sharing time with him in Chincoteague. My thoughts are with Rita and his family.
We will miss you so much….our handyman! Chincoteague will never be the same. No more pain, just peace. Love you! Paula
Rest in peace Ron. You were a great friend and I will remember you fondly.
Jim
Freddie,
I’m very sorry for the loss. I know this is a very difficult time for you. If you need someone to talk to, please contact me at 330-837-1074 or via e-mail.
You and yours are in my prayers!
I thought of Ron often and have many fond memories of our formative years in Ohio – the world is a better place for the time he spent here – he will be missed – my thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.
Steve
To Fred and Joan –
My condolences on the loss of your brother/brother-in-law. While my parents are now both gone, my Alliance/Marlington roots are still very important to me and the friendships that were forged over the years still mean a great deal to me so I subscribe to the Alliance Review to stay abreast of what is happening in my hometown. I will have you in my thoughts and prayers. God bless – Greg Burke
God bless you Ron.