Obituary of robert f. ronca, jr.

Robert F. Ronca, Jr.,64, passed away peacefully at his home on July 19, 2022 after an extended illness. He was born June 13, 1958 on Eglin Air Force Base, son of the late Robert F. Ronca and Mildred Masters Ronca. He is survived by his spouse, Cyndi Strawser Ronca; daughter, Maria Ronca Ritter, her husband whom he loved as a son, Travis E. Ritter and their daughter, Quinn Avery Ritter; brothers, David Ronca (Lorraine), James Ronca (Lori) and their children, and Russ Ronca; sister, Linda Cooper and her children; sisters-in-law, Terri Herrington (Mark), Jody McCain (Harvey) and Kristy Royce (Randy) along with their children; Father and Mother-in-law, Floyd and Helen Strawser and many dear friends that he called family. He grew up in Shalimar, Florida and was a graduate of Choctawhatchee High School. He was a proud "local" and along with Cyndi, lived all his life in Fort Walton Beach and Shalimar. Rob was an electrician by trade and ran a thriving electrical contracting business. He was highly respected in his field and had long lasting business relationships with his employees and the contractors he worked with but most importantly they would say he was a true friend. He had a nick name on the job sites, "The Big Angry" that he secretly liked (who else gets a nickname all their own) but to all that knew him, he was a big guy with a big voice but the softest of hearts. Rob was very special to everyone who knew him and there were many wonderful things he brought to our lives. He was the best protector, good listener, problem fixer, fire master, the driver, expert car packer, the best hugger, and the one with all the answers (or so he thought). He was generous to a fault and never said no to anyone that needed his help. To his entire family he was the loyal and selfless caretaker, and the world's best Husband, Daddy, Papa and Brother. With the death of their father and mother, Rob became the patriarch of his family and throughout his life ensured that his brothers, sister and their families maintained the strong and loving bond their parents would want. His world revolved around his family and friends, but everyone knew his heart belonged to his beloved granddaughter, his baby girl Quinn. He was a guardian to her while he was here, and we know he will continue to be her guardian from above. A life-long hard worker, Rob's physical toughness and commitment to his family and co-workers never waivered despite the challenges he faced during the last years of his life. After a long battle, his final days were spent comfortably at home listening to the sounds of his life until he peacefully passed away surrounded by loving family. The scent of a cigar and a flickering light will always remind us that he's forever here, but his physical absence leaves a huge hole in our hearts and in our lives. The family will hold a Celebration of Life in the fall which was Rob's favorite time of the year. Details will be shared with friends, family and co-workers at that time. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. Arrangements entrusted to Family-Funeral & Cremation of Mary Esther, Florida (850)226-4240.