Ronald Varsey

ronald varsey

August 7, 1937 ~ May 26, 2022

Ronald G. Varsey, passed away Thursday, May 26, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Ann. Ron was born August 7, 1937 and is survived by his loving wife Gayle of 58 years; children, Keith (Jackie) Varsey and Kristen (James Sr.) Riddle; grandchildren, Tyler and Brandon Varsey and James Riddle Jr; siblings, James (Sharon) Varsey and Barbara (Jim) Gortz; and many nieces and nephews. Ron served in the Army from 1960-1962. He pitched batting practice for the Cleveland Indians while in his 20’s and played, coached and managed his way to 3 National Championships and into the Greater Cleveland Softball Hall of Fame. He retired from Mayfran International and enjoyed golfing and coaching into his 80’s. Ron will be greatly missed!  Private Family Services will be observed. Behm Family Funeral Home of Madison is assisting the family.  Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com

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  1. I cannot express how sorry I am for the family of Ron Varsey for their loss. We spent so may summers together at softball games and tournaments that we were like family.
    Ron donated countless hours of his time so that other players could compete at the highest level and have experiences that last a lifetime. He taught the value of putting the team first, the do’s and don’ts of hitting and playing defense, winning strategies. and how enthusiasm and a good attitude not only helped win games but also allowed players to get the most out of their talents. What he did for the game of softball and for hundreds of players he coached cannot be measured. Those who played for and with him can tell you how much Ron did for them. Anyone who has ever coached knows how much work, time and personal money it takes.
    His family was most important. After the games Ron did not go to bars or out to eat. Instead, he went home. This is what role models do.
    I miss Ron but hope one day we meet again in heaven talking softball.

    Rest in Peace Ron. You were a good man.

  2. Ron Varsey was an exceptional coach, player, manager and friend. One of the finest and most competitive softball players and managers ever to compete in the Lake County and Great Cleveland area, he always placed others ahead of himself and consistently set the example of servant leadership. I count it a privilege and honor to have competed with and against Ron in the game of softball. RIP, Ron, you and your family deserve the best.

  3. Sorry to Rons passing,
    I first met Ron while i was in Jr. High at the old Willoughby Union High School.(1957)
    He was our coach for our American legion baseball team. He taught all the fundamentals
    of how to play the game of baseball .He even had a sliding pit made at Todd field so we could learn how to slid! Ron also was a great Softball pitcher and manager.Anyone associated with him will miss him! R.I.P.!!!! Joe Mazie

  4. I first met Ron in 1970. He was the player manager/pitcher for an upstart team called Eastway Construction. I had limited experience in softball having been recently a converted hard ball player. Ron saw my potential and over the next 2 seasons and we played over 200 games together, culminating in a berth in the World Tournament of Softball. It was the thrill of a lifetime to compete at the highest level and I owe it all to Ron. He was the driving force behind those teams and I will forever fondly remember him.

  5. My condolences to Gayle and the kids. I met Ron in 1975 as an opposing softball player. I went on to play for Ron in 1977. Ron loved the game and was a fierce competitor. Ron gave me the opportunity to play in many World Tournaments and I am forever thankful for the all those and the good times they brought. Winning the World Tournament with Pepco was certainly a memory I wouldn’t have had without Ron’s support and influence. I can only hope that when we meet again we’ll both be playing the game we loved. Ron will be missed by all that new him. RIP Ron thanks Mark


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