Ronald Allen Vandenberg

Ronald Allen VandenBerg passed away September 20, 2023, in Estero Florida. He was born April 1939 in Grand Rapids Michigan, the son of Albert and Ester VandenBerg. Ron grew up in Western Michigan the oldest brother of three boys and the definition of an All-American boy. He was raised in Middle America at a time when truth, honor, and hard work were the pillars of everyday life. In high school Ron was a Student Council Member (four years), Class President (two years), a two-sport athlete (four years in basketball and tennis), and Prom King. His work ethic carried him through college where he earned a BS degree in Mathematics from Calvin College, a BS in Mechanical Engineering and MBA (Finance Major, Marketing Minor) from the University of Michigan. Ron and his first wife Ruthann moved to San Diego in 1964 with their two young children Julie and Steven to begin his career with General Dynamics as an Engineering Planner in the Space Science Laboratory. Ron's third child Christine was born in San Diego while his career was progressing. Over the next 10 years he and his mentor Dr. Terrance Gooding left General Dynamics to build and develop multiple companies including: Maxwell Laboratories, Intertek Industries, Kratos, and Hardy Scales Company. In the mid 70's Ron's personal and business life experienced significant change. He divorced and made the decision to explore career opportunities separate from his mentor. This tumultuous time ultimately turned positive as he met his life-long love and wife Deborah (Deb) VandenBerg joined Donnelly Mirrors and relocated to Michigan. Ron again progressed through positions of greater responsibility, building a relatively small Automotive business into an international company whose gross sales increased 20-fold. Ron traveled the world to build this business and always did his best to follow the Golden Rule... ... or in his words, "Always be nice to people". His approach ultimately was rewarded with being recognized in 1998 as, "Marketer of the Year" in Western Michigan and the ability to retire early to Florida with his wife Deb. Ron served on numerous boards including X-Rite and President of Board of Directors of Donnelly de Mexico. He experienced many medical challenges in his later years but fought through them all with a positive attitude. Ron leaves behind his beloved wife of 48 years Deborah VandenBerg, his brother David VandenBerg (Naval Pilot Vietnam Veteran and Flight Surgeon), his daughter Julie Sinha (Suman), son Steven VandenBerg (Brenda), daughter Christine, Seven-Grandchildren, Eight(& 8/9th), Great Grandchildren, numerous loving nephews, nieces, in-laws and family. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Ester VandenBerg and brother William VandenBerg (Vietnam Veteran, Purple Heart recipient). Ron’s immediate family will honor his wishes privately, with celebration of life. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Ronald Allen Vandenberg

April 26, 1939 - September 20, 2023