Obituaries

Ron Kardel, 49, Special Olympics Medal Winner, Dies

Ronald "Ron" F. Kardel, 49, of Newport,was one of the first participants in the center's annual Blacklight production and won medals and ribbons in the RI Special Olympics.

Ronald “Ron” F. Kardel, 49, of Newport, died November 23, 2013 at home surrounded by his family. 

Born in Newport, RI on August 11, 1964, he is the son of Rosemary L. (Cain) Kivlehan of Newport and the late Edward L. Kardel.

Ronald was a client at the James L. Maher Center where he enjoyed spending time with his friends there. He was one of the first participants in the center’s annual Blacklight production. He also participated in the RI Special Olympics winning many medals and ribbons throughout the years. Ron loved watching wrestling and football, bowling and spending time with his family.

Besides his mother, he is survived by his step-father, James Kivlehan of Newport, RI; sisters, Susan Gustaitis and her husband Brian of Wakefield, RI, Charlotte Greene and her husband James of Vacaville, CA, Joan Kardel of Newport, RI, Patricia Arroyo and her husband Jose of Newport, RI and Elizabeth Nelson and her partner Richard Jenkins of Middletown, RI; his brother, Michael Kardel and his wife Kyu of Levittown, PA; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

At the request of the family, the funeral will be private with a celebration of life to be held in the near future.

Donations in Ron’s memory may be made to the James L. Maher Center, 120 Hillside Avenue, Newport, RI 02840.

Obituary provided by Memorial Funeral Home.


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