Ronald “Ron” William Pearce, 93, died on Sept. 19, 2025 of natural causes at his home in Oak Park. Born on Oct. 23, 1931 in Sonora, California, he earned his bachelor’s degree from College of the Pacific in Stockton, California, then served in the U.S. Navy as a medic on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay. He received a prestigious fellowship in public affairs with the Coro Foundation in San Francisco, followed by some years with the California State Legislature.
Ron’s professional life was dedicated to Allstate Insurance Company, culminating in executive vice president before retiring in 1983 at the age of 52, having inspired, mentored, and motivated many along the way. As an executive, he and his family lived in several states besides Illinois: California, Indiana, and New Jersey.
His 65-year marriage to Margaret “Peggy” Alexander was the center of his life. They shared many interests: golf, motorcycling, dancing, dogs, and wine tasting. Golf was a source of lifelong pleasure, as well as friendships. Indeed, their last home in San Luis Obispo, California, backed to a golf course, a view they loved.
They had dogs for decades, including Dachshunds, Westies, Dobermans, and Corgis.
Ron’s competitive spirit was also channeled in club volleyball, which he played in Chicago and Germany. Among his other talents and interests were cribbage, sudoku, and crossword puzzles, which he not only solved, but created for years as a professional.
The loss of both his brother Donald Pearce and his grandson Mitchell Bley in 2016 were devastating, as was the loss of his wife Peggy in 2020, whose decline and demise Ron faced by himself with courage during COVID. In 2023, he moved back to Chicago to be closer to family and courageously faced medical challenges of his own in his last few years.
Ron is survived by his daughters, Dawn Pearce Bley (husband Rick) and Robin Pearce; his son Chris Pearce (wife Chris); and his grandchildren, Monica Garcia, Justin Garcia, and Emma Bley.
Ron leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, humor, and courage.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at Brookdale Senior Living on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 2:30 p.m. in the Oak Park Room on the 2nd floor.
Arrangements were handled by Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made in Ron’s name to: Citizen Canine Senior Dog Rescue, 502 Dover Ave., LaGrange Park, IL 60526 (Citizencaninerescue.org).