Age 76 of Wilmington
Entered into eternal life, peacefully on January 22, 2015 surrounded by his loving family.
Ron was born on November 19, 1938 in Wilmington, Delaware, one of six children. He attended St. Peter Elementary School and High School and served eight years in the National Guard. Ron was the founder and active owner of Regal Painting and Decorating Company, which recently celebrated 40 years in business. Regal clients include; many builders, banking facilities, retirement communities and exclusive residences in Delaware. The company has become well known in the industry for dependability and superior workmanship.
Ron lived for family. He enjoyed every day of his life. He was exceptionally dedicated to his family and had a special place in his heart for Little Ronny. Ron enjoyed speaking of the old glory days growing up in Shawtown, and has a story for every one of his old friends. He would often reflect on 197 Battery D and days the outfit was federalized back in the 60s.
Ron's passions were playing Canasta with family and poker in his garage with friends. He worked seven days a week but always found time to attend Mass and an occasional trip to Delaware Park. He also enjoyed luncheons and a glass of wine with his close friends at Madelyn's Restaurant. He took care of his employees as well; bringing coffee everyday he could and always bought lunch on weekend jobs. He often took his friends to the Phillies games and expected nothing in exchange. After Ron's first trip to Italy he became even more proud of his Italian heritage and changed his surname to Ciafre, or as the family states "corrected the spelling". Always ready to lend a helping hand, he would send a crew for several days to assist Chase Bank and the University of Delaware with preparations for Special Olympics.
Ron was always generous with his success.
He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Jeffery and his brother, Joseph Jeffery.
Ron is survived by his mother, Ann Jeffery; his wife, Deborah (Rzucidlo) Ciafre; his former spouse, Barbara (Jones) Jeffery; his 4 children and their spouses; Tony and Gloria Jeffery, Bob and Stephanie Jeffery, Ronny Jeffery Jr., and Nicholas J. Ciafre. He will be dearly missed by his 6 grandchildren, Tori, Anthony, Jordan, Chrissy, Brianna, and Collin. Ron is also survived by 2 brothers and 2 sisters along with their spouses, Gloria and William Gail, Anne M. Jeffery, John Ciafre and Catherine Hanson, Raymond and Madelyn Jeffery, many nieces and nephews, and his good friend and Uncle, Joe Gotto.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the viewing for Ron on Monday, Jan 26 at Corpus Christi R.C. Church, 901 New Road, Elsmere, DE 19805 from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church on Tuesday, Jan 27 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow mass in All Saints Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Easter Seals "Adult Day Care", 61 corporate Center, New Castle, DE 19720, or Corpus Christi R.C. Church, 905 New Road, Wilm., DE 19805.
Krienen-Griffith
Funeral Home
302-994-9614
www.delawarefuneral.com