Ronald (Ron) W. DeLong's Obituary
Ronald (Ron) W. DeLong, age 89, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, and is now with his Lord and Savior. He was born in Muskegon, Michigan, on October 3, 1934, to Wesley and Lucy (Decker) DeLong and was a life-long resident, which he would not have wanted any other way. He was one of the most humble and genuine men you could meet; his kindness made you feel welcomed and appreciated. Ron spent his summers growing up on Silver Lake where he loved boating and waterskiing. He entered the first sailing competition on Silver Lake with little sailing ability and no support from his family. He showed them, and he won! Ron graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1952 and went on to attend Michigan State University (Go Green) where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting. After college he earned his C.P.A. license and practiced public accounting, starting his career at Maihofer, Moore and DeLong. He concluded his fifty plus year career as the managing partner of BDO Seidman, LLP. Ron was always passionate about his work, and thoroughly enjoyed serving his clients. Ron was also committed to community service. He was a former member of the Muskegon Rotary Club, former board member and past President of the Muskegon Country Club, active in the Seaway Festival, former chairperson of the local United Way, lifetime member of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Ron was a lifelong golfer who kept a stash of butterfingers in his golf bag for anyone that was hungry or needed a sweet treat on the course (and always had a backup bag in his locker). In the summers, you could often see him driving around town in his 1974 Buick Convertible on his way to work, the golf course or to coach the church softball team. He was a big Michigan State fan and loved to tailgate with his family and friends, there was nothing like sharing a cold beer with salt and eating a variety of treats before a big game. Ron loved watching sports, especially sports that his children and grandchildren were involved in.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 58 years, Marleen (Valk) DeLong; four children, Cameron (Kim) DeLong, Todd (Julie) DeLong, Rona (Chris) Caswell and Steve (Deana) DeLong; grandchildren, Nicholas DeLong, Adam DeLong, Kari Rose, Tyler DeLong, Daniel DeLong, Derek DeLong, Luke Caswell, Drew Caswell, Zach Caswell, Megan DeLong and Owen DeLong; and many relatives and friends. Ron was preceded in death by his sister, Cheryl Norman. To make a donation in Ron’s memory, please consider memorial donations to the Muskegon Rescue Mission. There will be no service as the family will be celebrating his memory in a private family celebration. The family would love it if you would sign the online guestbook at sytsemafh.com and share a favorite memory, story, or special moment you have of Ron. Rest in peace Ron- husband, dad, grandpa- you will be dearly missed. You will forever be in our hearts!
What’s your fondest memory of Ronald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ronald?
Share a story where Ronald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ronald you’ll never forget.
How did Ronald make you smile?
