Ronald "Ron" William Pearce

Ronald "Ron" William Pearce was born October 23, 1931, in Sonora, California, in the Sierra foothills. On September 19, 2025, at the age of 93, he passed away of natural causes at his home in Oak Park, Illinois.

After earning his bachelor's degree from College of the Pacific in Stockton, California, Ron served in the U.S. Navy as a medic on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay.  Subsequently, he received a prestigious fellowship in public affairs with the Coro Foundation in San Francisco, followed by some years with the California State Legislature. 

Twenty-five years of Ron's professional life were dedicated to Allstate Insurance Company, culminating in the role of Executive Vice President before retirement in 1983 at the age of 52, having inspired, mentored, and motivated many along the way. As an executive, he and his family lived in several states in addition to California: Indiana, New Jersey, and Illinois (Chicagoland area).

Ron's 65-year marriage to Margaret "Peggy" Alexander, was central to his life. Together they shared many interests: golf, motorcycling, dancing, dogs, and wine tasting. Golf, which they avidly pursued, was a source of lifelong pleasure, as well as friendships. Indeed, their last home in San Luis Obispo, California, backed to a golf course, a view which they loved. 

Ron and Peggy had dogs for decades, including Dachshunds, Westies, Dobermans, and Corgis; they even took their dog Kai with them when wine tasting at Calcareous Vineyards in the Paso Robles area.

Ron's competitive spirit was displayed not only in golf, but also in club volleyball, which he played in Chicago and Germany. Among his other talents and interests were cribbage, sudoku, and crossword puzzles, which he not only solved, but created for years as a professional.

The loss of both his brother Donald Pearce and his grandson Mitchell Bley in 2016 were devastating to Ron, as was the loss of his wife Peggy in 2020, whose decline and demise Ron faced by himself with courage during COVID. In 2023, Ron moved back to Chicago from sunny California to be closer to family and courageously faced medical challenges of his own in his last few years. 

Ron is survived by his devoted daughters, Dawn Pearce Bley (with husband Rick) and Robin Pearce, his son Chris Pearce (with wife Chris), and his beloved grandchildren, Monica Garcia, Justin Garcia, and Emma Bley.

Ron had an extraordinary sense of humor - his wry wit and ability to get into mischief will be remembered by all who knew him. Ron made friends everywhere. He leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, humor, and courage. 

A celebration of Ron's life will be held at Brookdale Senior Living on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the Oak Park Room on the 2nd floor.

Memorial donations may be made in Ron’s name to:  

Citizen Canine Senior Dog Rescue

502 Dover Avenue

LaGrange Park, IL  60526

312-919-6038

Citizencaninerescue.org

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