Ronald "Ron" G. Cucchiara

Ronald “Ron” G. Cucchiara, 76, of Mooresville and formerly of Stuart, FL, passed peacefully from this life surrounded by his loving family on Monday, August 19, 2024, after a long battle with Lewy body dementia. He was born as the only child on February 25, 1948, in Alexandria, LA to the late Mario Peter and Geneva (Grayson) Cucchiara. Raised in the southern climate of Louisiana, Ron graduated from Holy Savior Menard Central High School with the class of 1966. Upon graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army where he was a rifle specialist. After selflessly serving his country, he was discharged and secured employment with Southern Bell, the job that would lead him to find his best friend and soulmate, Pat Long. The pair fell fast in love, and were married with a simple ceremony on May 7, 1971, and never looked back. Throughout the years, Ron reenlisted with the Army National Guard, as well as with the Coast Guard. He worked for the Florida Highway Patrol, later retiring from the Martin County Sheriff’s Department as a Captain in 2006. During his trials and tribulations as a police officer, he once jumped out of a helicopter into a river to capture two escaped convicts, earning him the prestigious National Sheriffs’ Association Medal of Valor. Ron was not one to hold back and put his heart and soul into his work; Bruce Willis had nothing on Ron Cucchiara! Outgoing by nature, Ron and Pat lived life to the fullest, riding their Harley Davidson, scuba diving, traveling in their RV, shooting sporting clay, dining out in new restaurants, and spending quality time with family. In 2006 the couple took the northern trek to Indiana to be close to their daughter, Tonya and his grandchildren. Continuously putting family and friends first, he ensured his family’s needs were met. Full of personality, Ron loved telling jokes and always brought smiles and laughter to those around him. With a heart of gold beating in his chest, he was the strongest, yet softest man you would ever meet. He lived a good life in the time he was given and left an indelible mark on the world. Ron will be profoundly missed by all who were blessed to know and love him. Ron leaves behind his devoted wife of 53 years, Patricia A. Cucchiara of Mooresville; daughter, Tonya Durham (Steven) of Monrovia; stepdaughter, Sheri Johnson (Jay) of Stuart, FL; grandchildren, Brett Durham (Alexa) of Mooresville, and Brooke Cook (Jake) of Camby; along with his great grandchildren, Colter, Jameson, Walker, and Barrett. Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. His family held a Celebration of Life Gathering on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 3pm until 6pm at Pritchard Park, 4040 Blue Bluff Rd, Martinsville, IN, 46151. A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 3pm until 8pm at the Frances Langford Center, 1707 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach, FL, 34957. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested for donations to benefit the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc., via mailing to 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 and online at https://www.lbda.org/donate/ To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in Ron’s memory, please visit his tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Ronald "Ron" G. Cucchiara

February 25, 1948 - August 19, 2024