Ronald Joseph "Ron"  Kerkes, 82, of Stratford died peacefully December 19, at his home. He was born April 26, 1935, son of the late Jennie and Joseph Kerkes of Bridgeport.

His loving and patient wife of 59 years, Elizabeth Kerkes; his children and their spouses, Karen and Ned Schankman of Newtown, Kathy and David Swanson of Cheshire, Christine and Paul Marshall of Wallingford, Kevin and Monica Kerkes of Stratford, and Cynthia and Mike Formato of Shelton; his sisters, Audrey Velgot of Shelton and Carol Wilson of Nashua, N.H.; his ten grandchildren, Alyssa and Adam Schankman, Katie (Nagy) and Michael Swanson, Paul and Kimberly Marshall, Karissa and Ronnie Kerkes, and Max and Leo Formato; and many nephews and nieces survive him.

His sister, Evelyn DiMare; his brother-in-law, Stanley Velgot; and nephew predeceased him.

Mr Kerkes attended Fairfield Prep and Fairfield University. He was the crew chief for Kasper Associates of Bridgeport for more than 35 years. He was a very competitive cribbage, set-back, and chess player. He was also a lifetime Yankees fan and loved watching the UConn women basketball players win.

His loved ones say he made a mean whiskey sour on any holiday, he was right about everything, and that he was tough and stubborn, but his heart was soft. He passed his wicked humor, strong character, and loving nature down to his beloved family.

Calling hours will be conducted at Pistey Funeral Home, 2155 Main Street, Stratford, on Friday, December 22, from 4 to 8 pm.

Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, December 23, at 10 am, directly at Our Lady of Peace Church, 651 Stratford Road, Stratford. Interment will follow at St Michael Cemetery, Stratford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association at heart.org or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at jdrf.org.

To leave an online condolence, visit pisteyfuneralhome.com.