Ronald Paul Maierhofer, an accomplished athlete, entrepreneur and Fortune 500 executive, passed away on January 4th, 2024 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Born in Buffalo, New York in 1935, Maierhofer's life was marked by his dedication to his family, soccer and a passion for dance. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Ferony. Sandra and Ron met more than 25 years ago in Alexandria, Virginia, and she was the love of his life. Naturally they met at a dance club. He is also survived by his son Scott and wife Tanya (grandchildren Kyle and wife Carrie, Brian, Sean, and great grandchildren Charlie and Lucy), his son Jeffrey, his son Tim and wife Dottie (grandchildren Samantha, Matthew, Elizabeth and husband Paul, and great grandchild Anthony) and his son Craig and wife Denise (grandchildren Mason and Phoebe), along with Sandra’s son Jeff and wife Kathy (grandchildren Nick, Matt, Adam, and Jason), her daughter Sharon and husband Alan (grandchildren Melanie and Christina), her daughter Laura and husband John (grandchildren Joey and Mia) and her daughter Jennifer and husband Doug (grandchildren Caitlyn, Hanna and Will).

Maierhofer's journey in sports began at the Park School (high school) of Buffalo, New York, where he graduated in 1953. A standout athlete, he excelled in soccer, basketball, track, and baseball, earning All-League honors in multiple sports. His contributions were duly recognized, as he became a member of the Park School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999.

After high school graduation, Maierhofer attended Canisius College in Buffalo, and played soccer semi-professionally in Canada until the Army drafted him in 1954. He was honorably discharged in 1957 and he continued his scholastic and athletic pursuits at Cornell University, where he left an indelible mark on the soccer field. In 1959, he earned Second Team All-American honors, was a two-time All-Ivy first team pick, and was a Captain and MVP his senior year. Beyond soccer, he also showcased his versatility as a midfielder on the lacrosse team in 1958 and 1959. Graduating in 1960 with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Labor Relations, Maierhofer's impact was further acknowledged with his induction into the Cornell University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986.

In 1959, Maierhofer reached the pinnacle of U.S. soccer when he became a member of the U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team at the Pan American Games, securing a Bronze medal finish and winning a spot on the 1960 U.S. Olympic team.  Unfortunately the team did not qualify for the Olympic games that year.

Between 1960 and 1980, Maierhofer held several corporate executive positions with Fortune 500 companies, most notably Information Handling Services, moving his growing family from New York to Ohio, to California, to Texas and eventually to Colorado. Along the way, he continued to play soccer with several local teams including the famous LA based Maccabees, and he also continued to create several youth soccer clubs so his sons could play organized soccer, notably in Dallas and Denver.

In 1979, after a successful corporate career, Maierhofer pivoted towards his passion for soccer and fulfilled a life long dream of owning a professional soccer team. Ron, and his brother Howard, successfully applied for a franchise in the Major Indoor Soccer League in February 1980, birthing the Denver Avalanche. Under their ownership, the team competed for two seasons before being sold to an investor group in Tacoma, Washington. Ron writes about this experience in his book, “NO MONEY DOWN: How to Buy a Sports Franchise – A Journey Through an American Dream,” and he further expands on his lifelong love for soccer in his books, “Memoirs of a Soccer Vagabond,” and “My Search for Me.” Maierhofer wrote all three books after he had turned 70, with the last book written and published when he was 85.  One of Ron’s proudest moments as a father was playing soccer in an adult men’s league at the age of 60 with all four of his sons on the field at the same time.

Ron’s legacy encompasses his achievements as an athlete, entrepreneur, and sports enthusiast. His contributions to the world of soccer and his dedication to the sport will be remembered fondly. He leaves behind a lasting impact on the sports community.

Later in life, Ron’s passion for and impact on the world of dance was recognized and celebrated when he was named to the Class of 2015 for the National Living Legends of Dance. This prestigious acknowledgment highlights his significant contributions and enduring influence in the realm of dance, solidifying his status as a luminary in the dance community.  He was a gifted Ballroom and Shag dancer.  This honor serves as a testament to Ron’s profound influence, underscoring his legacy as a multifaceted individual whose impact extended beyond the soccer field and business arena, and into the world of dance.

Ron’s passion, talent, intelligence and most importantly love for people (especially his extended family) will be remembered and missed by so many. Hopefully as you read this you recall a memory of how he touched your life, and you can hang onto and cherish that memory. Rest in Peace.

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