RONALD ARTHUR RAFANELLI
February 27, 1948 – June 8, 2025
Ronald Arthur Rafanelli was born February 27 1948 and raised in Healdsburg California. On June 8 th 2025, with angels’ wings, he peacefully joined our Lord at age 77.
Ron went to St.John’s Catholic School, Healdsburg High School graduated 1966. Santa Rosa Junior College, Sonoma State College, during the Vietnam war he enlisted in the National Guard’s.
Growing up Ron and his father yearly they went deer hunting on horseback across the Ruby Mountain in Nevada.
They also belonged to a Duck Hunting Club. Ron was a excellent marksman. He also loved to fish and was one of the best fisherman in town.
In the mid 60’s he and his friends formed the Persuaders a band that played throughout the San Francisco Bay area sharing venues with the Byrds, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Styx.
Ron was The Man, The Myth and The Legend.
The Man of honesty, integrity and respect for others.
The Myth was he was arrogant, he was far from that he was a peace maker always caring and loving.
The Legend is he made a difference in the California wine industry with Healdsburg winery machine company. He also got his pilot’s license and commercial pilots license to deliver equipment and install it across the USA and Mexico.
Ron was a lover not a fighter and what he loved he did passionately.
Ron always wanted a child and in 1993 his prayers were answered with his daughter Carly Nicole Rafanelli.
Ron and Lori were together for 24 years and married the last 12 years of his life.
Ron is survived by his loving wife Lori Natalie Rafanelli, Daughter Carly Nicole Rafanelli (Anthony),stepdaughter Stephanie Ponzo(Mike),step grandson Jacob Ponzo(Evan), Step granddaughter Faith Ponzo, Cousins: Joan Walker, Linda Lucciani, Dave Rafanelli, Doug Rafanelli, and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ron was preceded in death by his father Art Rafanelli, his mother Betty Lou Rafanelli, Aunts: Dolores Kovacovich, Olga Lucciani, Gloria Walker, Eva Haywood, Tosca, Uncles:Francis Rafanelli, Robert Rafanelli, Cousins: Gordy Walker, Randy Hassenzahl and Lonnie Haywood.
Ron will be dearly missed, Rest in peace my love.
A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church on Saturday, June 28, 2025 in Healdsburg, California, with services set to begin at 11:00am, a celebration reception will follow at the church hall
Private entombment to be held at Santa Rosa Memorial Park at a later date.
