Ronald L. Ravitch

Ronald L. “Ron” Ravitch, 80, of Coloma, died on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at Spectrum Health-Lakeland in St. Joseph. A celebration of life service will be held at 12PM on Sunday, July 26, 2020, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at B’nai Sholom Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 3PM until 5PM on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at the funeral home. A Masonic Service will be held at 4:30PM on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Harbor Lions Clubs, PO Box 8822, Benton Harbor, MI, 49023, Shriners Hospital for Children- Chicago, 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60707, or Temple B’nai Shalom, 2050 Broadway, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ron was born on August 4, 1939, to Samuel & Garnet (Zuraval) Ravitch in Benton Harbor. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1957. Ron proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for over 20 years before his retirement. On July 27, 1985, Ron married Catherine Lindenfeld in St. Joseph. Ron worked as the Director of On-Campus Suspension at Coloma Community Schools for over ten years before his retirement. Ron was a member of Shriners, Benton Harbor Masonic Lodge, Berrien County Republican Party, Coloma Rod & Gun Club and past Governor of the Benton Harbor Lions Club. Some of his most memorable achievements was being one of the first members of Special Operations (Green Beret) under the Kennedy Administration and being the Regional Aid for Congressman Siljander in the 1980’s. Ron is survived by his wife of 34 years Catherine Ravitch; children, Anastacia (Mark) Axtel, Abraham “Abe” Ravitch, Tammie (Travis) O’Neal, Jennie Ravitch; stepchildren, Donald “Jim” (Gretchen) Meyer and Thomas Meyer; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Ron was preceded in death by his parents Samuel & Garnet Ravitch and brother Paul Ravitch.