Ronald “Ronnie” E. Hectus (74), best friend, partner, lifetime love and husband of Beth (Bassett), beloved son of Caroline and Frank Adornetto, Betty (Olmstead) and Charlie Hectus, irreplaceable brother of Tony Adornetto (Chris), Gail H. Borgerd (Gary), Diane H. Karlsson (Ronald), Daniel Alexander, cherished uncle and cousin, and valued friend to many more.

The sun set on our walking ray of sunshine after a brief illness on January 7, 2026. Our Ronnie was shaped by his enthusiastic embrace of all the converging influences that come with growing up on the Northwest side of Chicago.

A product of Notre Dame High School, as well as the U.S. Navy, where he was assigned as a radioman aboard the LSD Mt. Vernon #39. He was forever extremely proud that he was able to serve his country in that capacity.

Of course, one of the strongest gravitational pulls, drew him to becoming a die-hard, long-suffering Cubs fan. He watched as many games as he could- sound off, game played to a musical score of Ronnie’s own design. The combination of passions, music and baseball, made him an expert at “who’s the band?”.

He could tell you the album, the year, as well as the line up (Cubs or band). He was a man of many talents- always learning, changing, and evolving. A principal in Caroline’s Ceramics, a 3rd degree blackbelt, a golfer that everyone wanted on their team, and of course a Teamster for 40 years (#727).

While not known as a hunter, there is a rumor that he personally killed many a grey goose while relaxing in his hot tub in Cape Coral with Beth.

He relinquished his title as King of the Irish Exit, in order to say farewell, and express his genuine appreciation to as many as he could in his final weeks.

Join us in sending him off on his next grand adventure…

Shine on you crazy diamond. Bubbles up!

Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 10:00am

St. Eugene Catholic Church

7958 W. Foster Ave., Chicago, IL 60656

In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Jude’s are appreciated. 

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