In Memory
Ronald L. Gillean
April 7, 1959 ~ March 31, 2025 (age 65)
New Carlisle – Ronald L. Gillean was a funny, kind-hearted, and quietly mischievous man who made life lighter for everyone lucky enough to know him. A gifted plumber with a generous spirit, Ron loved nothing more than spending time at his beloved Hudson Lake home, playing rock music, strumming his guitar with his love, Tammy Dolezal. Ron passed away at his home in New Carlisle, Indiana on March 31, 2025.
Ron was the eighth of eight children born to the late Jack and Lucille Gillean in Lydick, Indiana. His early story was already one-of-a-kind. He spent his first six weeks of life next door, sleeping in a dresser drawer, while his seven siblings recovered from whooping cough. His mother walked over every day to care for him, setting the tone for a life full of love, resilience, and close family ties.
Ron was a proud Warren Wildcat, graduating early from LaSalle High School, class of 1976. He treasured the lifelong friendships he built growing up in Lydick…bonds that never faded with time.
After nearly a decade working at Bendix, Ron turned his side hustle into a full-time career, founding Quality Plumbing in 1986. He’d honed his craft alongside his brothers Fred and Gary and eventually passed down his skills to his nephews, acting as an older brother to Jack. Teaching them the value of hard work, efficiency, and time management—though his critiques were often delivered with a side of sarcasm and a cold beer in hand.
In the 1980s, Ron called Prast Boulevard in South Bend home—host to some of the most legendary parties around, where music blasted for blocks and people from all walks of life came together. A true rock ’n roll soul, he played in bands, loved fast cars and motorcycles, especially his bright orange 1972 Chevy Nova with yellow traction bars and lived life full throttle, at least until his later years, when he preferred the speed limit… or a little under.
Ron’s world revolved around his people. He checked in regularly, sometimes daily, with family and friends, always remembered birthdays, and was the first to pick up the tab at lunch. He carried cash, usually had a lotto ticket tucked away, and had a one-liner for every situation—many unprintable, but always unforgettable. A favorite: “Don’t start no sh%#, there won’t be no sh#%.”
His home on Hudson Lake was his pride and joy, a peaceful spot he shared with his loyal German Shepherd, Daisy, who is buried nearby. And in his later years, his quiet smile and twinkle in his eye were never more present than when he talked about Tammy and her family, people he cherished deeply.
Ron Gillean lived with a generous heart, a sharp wit, and an unmatched ability to bring people together. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and loyalty… and a thousand stories that will be told for years to come.
Ron was preceded in death by his mother Lucille, father Jack, brothers Fred and Morris. His sisters Linda Barnes and Wilma Gillean. Nephew Karl Daniels, niece Joanna Behringer, and great-nephew Kary Young.
Ron is survived by his love, Tammy Dolezal. His sisters Martha (Jim) Daniels, Debrah Gillean, and brother Gary (Marcia), sisters-in-law Linda Gillean, Karla Gillean and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Sons, Bobby (Jennifer) Whitenack, Bryan (Maggie) Dolezal, Tyler (Hannah) Dolezal and grandsons Hunter and Hayden, Lee and his lil’feller, Brody.
Ron and Brody shared a very special bond and were the very best of friends. He will be missed dearly.
Per Ron’s request, there will be no funeral service. But a celebration of life will be shared jointly with his late sister Wilma on Sunday April 27, 2025 from 3-5pm at Lydick Event Center – 26205 Edison Rd. South Bend, Indiana 46628. So, if you would like to stop by and share a funny story you shared with Ron, please feel welcome.
St. Joseph Funeral Home is assisting family with arrangements.
4/06/2025 djb
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