Ronald Paul Kuzma

Ronald Paul Kuzma, Sr. (April 16, 1936 – April 17, 2026): Ronald Paul Kuzma (Ron), age 90, of Kettering, OH passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026. His greatest joy and legacy in life was his large family who he loved dearly. He was the proud father of seven children who he raised with his loving wife, Martha (Bartko) Kuzma (deceased). Ron was a strong, hard-working man, who was dedicated to supporting his family. 

He was also a loving, caring son, as he took both of his elderly parents into his home to care for and support during their declining health and the latter years of their lives. 

Born in Erie, Pennsylvania on April 16, 1936, he is the son of the late Albert J. Kuzma, Sr. and Mary (Radzinski) Kuzma (also deceased). He was also preceded in death by his younger brother, Albert J. Kuzma, Jr. 

He was a well-educated man, graduating from Cathedral Prep in Erie in 1954, where he was an editor of the school yearbook and participated in the marching band. He then studied at Gannon University in Erie, and earned his B.A. degree in accounting at John Carroll University near Cleveland, OH. To further enhance his education and advance his career, he also took night classes studying at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA, while working and raising his young family. 

Prior to starting his professional career, Ron worked hard on the railroad in both Erie, PA and Cleveland, OH. He was proud of doing that hard, physical labor and he always told stories of his time with the railroad, which he credited for developing his hardworking attributes and characteristics.

Ron had a very successful professional career being employed with the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA), specializing in the fiscal areas of government revenue, taxes, public spending, and budgeting. He started as an accountant at the VA Hospital in Brecksville, OH, and worked his way up through the ranks, transferring to several other VA facilities throughout the U.S., while serving in various accounting and fiscal administrator positions. His VA career included stints at Bay Pines VA Home & Hospital near St. Petersburg, FL, then moving on to the VA Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, and the VA Medical Center at Manchester, NH. That was followed by the Dayton VA Medical Center, Dayton, OH; the VA Health Care System in Lexington, KY; and finally, retiring as Chief Fiscal Officer back at Bay Pines VA Home & Hospital in Florida. 

Ron had several interests and activities. He was a great handyman and mechanic and could fix just about anything with his collection of tools. For him there was no repair challenge too big. During his youth he was an amateur boxer in the Golden Gloves organization in Pennsylvania. He was also a devout golfer, and loved skiing and watching sports, especially his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. During his retirement years, Ron thoroughly enjoyed attending and watching all of his grandchildren participate in their various sporting events and other activities, and he always made a sincere effort to attend as many as possible. 

Ron was married to Martha Mary Bartko on February 15, 1958, at St. Wendelin Catholic Church in Cleveland, OH. Together they raised seven children, each of whom he was extremely proud of throughout their lives. He also has nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Ron will be lovingly remembered by his entire family, including his children: Albert P. Kuzma (Annie), David E. Kuzma (Teal), James E. Kuzma, Peter A. Kuzma (Teri), Donna M. Bolia (Robert), Barbara A. McGuire, and Ronald P. Kuzma, II(Cheryl). He was also dearly loved and will be missed by his nine grandchildren: Kelly Bolia, Christopher Kuzma (EV), Emily Caruso (Ross), Marta Sabeddu (Davide), Michael McGuire, Alison Klinger (Lee), Matthew Kuzma (Autumn), Cody Kuzma, and Albert C. Kuzma, Jr., and his five great-grandchildren. Ron also leaves behind a large number of loving cousins, including Frank (Elaine), Glenn (Carol), Joe (Bertie), and Mike (Linda); Sr. Rose, Maryellen, Pauline, and Marilyn, plus many nieces and nephews. Other cousins, who preceded him in death include: Br. Sam Gresock, S.M., Paul (Frances), Sr. Anna Mae, and Theresa. 

The family will have a private viewing prior to the funeral mass. Services will be held on Friday, April 24, at 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, 2300 S. Smithville Rd, Dayton, OH 45420. A private burial service at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Erie, PA, will be announced to family and relatives at a later date.