Ron attended St. Nicholas School, where in first grade, he met his best friend, Frank Mascola. He attended Struthers High School and held a master’s degree from Youngstown State University.

His career was spent as a safety director in the trucking industry. He worked for Bethel Transport, B-Right Trucking, and Dart Trucking. He was also a mental health counselor with Valley Counseling. His work ethic was unmatched and he set a wonderful example in how he took amazing care of his family.

Papa Ron was a special man. There may never ever be someone quite like him. His faith in God guided his life. He attended daily Mass and loved to attend adoration. He showed his entire family what living a faith-filled life meant. They are all better people because they had the opportunity to be loved by one of the best!

His family wants friends to remember “Papa” sitting countless hours at the ball fields with a smile on his face, cheering on all the kids; holding his grandchildren and giving them the sign of the cross on their backs and saying, “Jesus bless you;” smiling as he talked with his children because he loved them more than life; and laughing with his wife because they were best friends.

“LOVE: We want you to think of love because that is what he showed on a daily basis. He was the purest type of love and it was unconditional. Live each day to the absolute fullest, and no matter what you do always, fight like a Vass.”

Ron is survived by his devoted wife, Teresa Blasko Vass, who gave him a second chance at love, “his Tres.” He is also survived by his son, Pete (Mini) Vass, whom he loved very much, “his papa;” his daughter, Nicole (Pete) Haas, who was the apple of his eye, “his tootsie;” and his son, Christopher (Erica) Vass, who was his sidekick, “his little fireman, Christopher.” He was blessed with 10 amazing grandchildren, whom he lived to spend time with: Delaney, Bennett and Mira Vass, Pete, Ronnie, Rocco and Vincent Haas, and Christopher Jr., Patrick and Michael Vass. He is also survived by his siblings, Johnny Vass and Mary Ann (Albert) Schmalzried and countless nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and John, as well as by his loving first wife, Dianne. He is now dancing in heaven with his beautiful bride again. What a joy that must be.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, at St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church in Boardman.

Friends and family may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, at the Clemente Funeral Home in Struthers, and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Carmstrong Foundation, 1355 Meadowood Circle, Youngstown, OH 44514. “Let’s help end the battle with pancreatic cancer.”

Visit www.clemntefuneralshome.com to view this obituary and send condolences.

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