Honorable Ronald H. Pannucci, Ret.'s Obituary
Honorable Ronald H. Pannucci, Ret., age 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, June 27, 2026, holding the hand of his beloved wife and greatest love, Eileen.
Ron was born on June 12, 1946, in Richmond, Virginia, to Vincent J. and Bernice (Hogan) Pannucci and spent most of his life in the Muskegon area. On August 21, 1971, he married the former Eileen E. O’Keefe in Seneca Falls, New York, beginning a marriage that would span 55 years and become a living example of unconditional love, devotion, and partnership.
If Ron measured success by anything, it wasn’t by titles, accomplishments, or recognition. He measured it by whether the people around him felt loved, most importantly, Eileen. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, generosity, and hospitality.
To witness Ron and Eileen together was to witness love in its truest form. Their relationship taught countless people what a marriage could be. Together, they quietly changed lives through countless acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity, never seeking recognition.
Respect and patience defined Ron. He treated every person with dignity, regardless of circumstance or station in life. He listened before he spoke and guided rather than judged. His kindness was genuine, his integrity unwavering, and his quiet generosity knew no bounds.
Ron earned his bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from Florida State University, where he attended on a golf scholarship, before receiving his Juris Doctor from Detroit College of Law. He served Muskegon County as Assistant Prosecutor before being elected to the 14th Circuit Court for Muskegon County in 1978. After serving the community for 20 years, he retired in 1996 and returned to private practice with Potuznik, Carrozza, Wilson, Fisher & Pannucci, P.C.
A devoted member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Ron found joy on the golf course, on the water, and anywhere his family gathered.
Above all else, Ron was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His greatest pride was his family, and his greatest joy was seeing those he loved together.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Eileen E. Pannucci; his children, Vincent (Jennifer) Pannucci and Lauren (Blake) Schar; his six cherished grandchildren, Brennan, Natalie, and Tate Pannucci, and Jacob, Andie, and Megan Schar; his sisters, Cynthia Pannucci and Tina (Barry Bechtold) Fleming; his sisters-in-law, Lynnette Pannucci, Patricia Wescott, Mary O'Keefe: his uncle, John (Diane) Pannucci; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Bernice Pannucci; his brother, Roy Pannucci; his parents-in-law, Thomas and Margaret O’Keefe and siblings in law Michael and Deanna O'Keefe, Michael and Kathleen Brennan, Donald Wescott and Paul O'Keefe.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1110 Dykstra Road, North Muskegon, with Rev. Fr. Godfrey Onyekwere presiding. Visitation will be held 5-8 PM Monday where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 PM at The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial Contributions in lieu of flowers may be directed to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cancer Oncology and Blood Disorders or to Harbor Hospice. Sign the online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com
Ron’s legacy will not be measured by the decisions he made or the titles he held, but by the countless lives he touched with kindness, the family he cherished beyond measure, the marriage that inspired so many, and the unwavering belief that the truest measure of a life well lived is making those around you feel deeply loved.
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