Col. Ronald Stanich, D.D.S.

Dr. Ronald Stanich, D.D.S., 76, of Canal Fulton, passed away on March 18, 2024. He was born in Barberton, Ohio, on June 23, 1947, to the late Ralph and Martha (Pavkov) Stanich.

Ron was a 1965 graduate of Barberton High School and was inducted into their Inaugural Academic Hall of Fame in 2006. He continued his education at the University of Akron where he received two degrees. Ron then taught physics and chemistry for Akron Public Schools.

He then pursued his Doctor of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University and graduated in 1977.

Ron proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and completed his undergraduate pilot training course. He was an F-100 Fighter Pilot with the 164th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the OHANG, out of Mansfield, Ohio where he was the OHANG base dentist and medical group commander before retiring with 33 years of dedicated service with the title of Colonel.

He also held many leadership positions spanning from a local level to state level including, President of The Stark County Dental Society and President of The Ohio Dental Association.

Ron received many notable awards throughout his life including being inducted into the Distinguished Dental Service Academy of the Stark County Dental Society in 2008 and the recipient of the ODA Distinguished Dentist Award in 2009.

After being blessed with receiving almost every award possible, there was only one career achievement left, which was to have an award named after him. The SCDS Rising Star Award, which Ron received, was renamed to the SCDS Col. Ronald Stanich, D.D.S., Leadership Award in honor of him and to carry on his legacy.

Of all the accolades Ron had accepted, you only heard him boast of being a loving father and beloved Papa.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his sister, Stephanie.

He is survived by his daughter Sarah (Jason King) Stanich; grandson, Landyn; siblings, Linda, Sharon, and Kevin (Stacey); sister-in-law, Dee; former spouse Claudia; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who Ron considered family.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 22nd from 4-7 p.m. at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Grace Brethren Church of Norton, 3970 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Norton, Ohio 44203 where military rites will be rendered.

Immediately following the service, entombment will be private for family only at Greenlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MAPS Air Museum, 2260 International Pkwy, N. Canton, Ohio, 44720.

The family would also like to give special thanks to the staff at Canton Regency and Southern Care Hospice for their care and compassion during Ron’s stay.