Ronald “Ron” Curl
Ronald Curl, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025.
Born on July 6, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, Ron was the oldest son of Frank and Emily Curl. He grew up on the South Side of Chicago, where his roots in family, faith, and football began. A proud altar boy and multisport athlete at De La Salle High School, Ron quickly established himself as a standout on the football field, becoming one of the most highly recruited players in the country. His journey took him to Michigan State University, where he played under legendary coach Duffy Daugherty. At MSU, Ron was a team captain, a two-time All-Big Ten selection, and a First Team All-American defensive lineman.
While at MSU, Ron met the love of his life, Hollis Vanderburg. Together, they built a family-centered life rooted in love for each other and their two sons, Eric and Ryan, during 53 years of marriage. After college, Ron was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and played two years in the NFL before continuing his professional football career with the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL, as well as the Chicago Winds and Birmingham Fire in the WFL.
Ron later built a successful 30-year career at Rouge Steel, where he started by cleaning floors and rose to the position of foreman. He worked a demanding swing shift schedule so that he could be present at every family event, holiday, and especially every game his sons played in—never missing a single one. His loyalty to his family was unmatched.
A proud and passionate father, Ron coached his sons in football at St. Michael’s and Livonia Stevenson High School. Later, he became the loudest cheerleader in the stands for his grandchildren—Jackson, Ainsley, and Gracie—bringing the same energy and enthusiasm that once roared through Spartan Stadium.
Ron was larger than life in all the ways that mattered. His legendary tailgates at BGSU and MSU were filled with laughter, full plates, and full cups. At Vineyard Lake, he found peace and joy surrounded by family and friends, often manning the grill and cooking up his famous ribs. A master of good deals, “Coupon Ron” loved a bargain almost as much as he loved a good story or a well-timed joke. He was a people pleaser who led with kindness, quick wit, and a heart full of generosity.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Kenneth and Thomas Curl. He is survived by Hollis and his sons, Eric (Mackenzie) and Ryan (Christy), as well as his grandchildren, Jackson, Ainsley, and Gracie. His legacy lives on in their love, laughter, and strength—and in the countless lives he touched simply by being Ron.
To those he loved, especially in life’s tougher moments, Ron often reminded them, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” And when his grandchildren faced their own challenges—from tough games to broken bones—he reassured them that “a bump in the road is not the end of the road.” His strength, optimism, and wisdom will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
The family will host a celebration of Ron’s life at a later date, open to all family and friends.
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So sorry to hear. The Stover family sends their thoughts and prayers to the Curl family. Big Ron was always a joy to be around and appreciated him opening his arms to a young player at BGSU.
Thoughts and Prayers go out to entire Curl family and community. Big Ron will always be remembered for amazing tailgates, Frickers after game meals, and great conversations about his legendary playing days! Thanks for being a huge part of BGSU Football experience!
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with the entire Curl family during this difficult time. Coach Curl was a mentor, a leader, and an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His impact on our lives will never be forgotten.
Ron, our first meeting in your apartment, when I was visiting Mike Tobin up at MSU during the summer of 1969, was a memorable one . . . after a night of entertainment and working up quite an appetite, returning back to your place when you promised to fix us one of your special “dozen egg” omelets, we were forced to wait because first it was your turn to mop the floors throughout the apartment before midnight . . .several years later we met again when you were coaching our son, Mario at St. Mikes and Stevenson H. S. . . . God bless you my friend and I look forward to when we meet again . . .
I remember the days in St.
Michael’s kitchen during football camp back in the later 90’s. Also, the tail gates at BGSU. You always brought a smile to my face with your positive attitude!
A grade school friend and fellow CYO Team member I have fond memories of our time spent together in grade school and later in Mc Kinley Park playing sports. My vote, St Peter is definitely let him in!
Ron was our team leader at Saint Maurice grammer school. As a matter of fact without Ron we did not have a football team. Rest in peace my friend
Holly, Eric, and Ryan,
I was blessed to have Ron as a lifetime friend. He was special. Our condolences to you and your whole family. We hope to be with you in June.
I’m so sorry for your loss
Holly, Eric, Ryan, and the Curl family- My sincere condolences to all of you on Ron’s passing. He was truly one of a kind and I have such fond memories of our interactions at BGSU, which all bring a smile to my face. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, and may he rest in peace. Sincerely, Ricky Schneider
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God wrap his arms around you to comfort you.
Holly and Boys: My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Ron. He was always one of my favorites…such a nice and gracious guy who enhanced our tailgate experiences for years. His ribs were a highlight every season! Hugs to you and your family. I’m sure Tony was there to meet him. May God wrap His arms around you and bring you peace at this difficult time.
Ron was a good man worked with him many years sorry for your loss
Holli, Eric (Mackenzie) & Ryan,
Big Ron was such a wonderful person, he’d give you the shirt off his back in the middle of a blizzard! I think of all the fun we had: tailgating at MSU, coaching at St Mike’s, Frickers at BGSU, cruising Alaska & the Vineyard Lake. Ron’s huge heart & warm personality will be sorely missed, but we all have such great memories that will keep him in our minds forever. Lately Ron & I laughingly said, “hey we are in the 4th quarter of our lives, looking for some OT.” RIP buddy, the final whistle has blown!
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Ron. He was the best of the best, and the toughest of the toughest. I always respected Ron because he gave 110% every play. Most important, Ron was a great friend and true Spartan. What a blessing it has been to know Ron and have him as part of my life. May God Bless Ron and his family during this Most difficult time. With Thoughts and Prayers, John Shinsky
Eric (and family).
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. As I did not know him, his love for his family, children and sports/tailgating shined through the memories that were written about him. My sincere condolences to you and all of your family.