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.
Ron was my teammate and my friend , We played the same side of the defensive line most of the time.at MSU. .He was a very good football player and very nice guy. He got our only score in the Notre Dame game at their stadium on national tv on a safety for 2 points in 1971. I remember some of the stories he told about growing up on 33rd and Archer on the South Side of Chicago He was proud of his upbringing and just had a great attitude. I remember his smiling face and would always lighten up my day when i saw him at some of the games . i`m very saddened about his passing. and wish the best for his family.
We’re very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He was a few years behind me at MSU but I really respected Ron for the way he played football and the way he lived his life. George Perles always had sayings to describe people and he called Ron a “tough guy”.
Our thoughts are with his family.
Ron was a one-of-a-kind, wonderful teammate and friend. He was a true Spartan. He always left everything he had on the field. Ron will be missed, but we all have wonderful memories that will never be forgotten.
So sorry for your loss. Ron left us way too early. When I ran into him he was always very friendly with a huge smile on his face. I loved the guy but I sure did hate trying to block him in scrimmages back in the day. We all will surely miss him.
Holly,
Our hearts go out to you and the family. You two were part of our MSU family that we so enjoyed. Love to you.
Ron Curl was the epitome of a college football player. His shoulders were so broad they almost touched in the back. We played on the same teams together all four years and he was the toughest guy in the locker room all four years. Great smile, and a great sense of humor. He was the only guy I knew to fit that description. He was loved and appreciated by everyone who knew him. Our condolences to Holly and family. Carol and Gordy Bowdell.
I’m sorry that we lost Ron. I always appreciated our chats. He loved his family. That always came up. He knew his struggles affected Holly and the boys. It always came up. I’m going to miss Ron and his laughter.
The family is now in transition. Transitions are tough. They take time – and we can’t accelerate time. Hugs for all.
Gary Scharrer’s note (above) says exactly what I feel as I read these condolence notes. I won’t copy and paste it here. I will add that shortly after my 44-year-old son, Mark, died in late June of 2023, Ron was among the first to call and share his sympathy. Ron grew up on the Southside of Chicago and always introduced himself that way with his South Chicago accent declaring, “I grew up at Turdy Turd and da Tracks.” (Translates – 33rd and the tracks.) I miss you, Ron.
I worked with and for Ron in the Basic Oxygen Furnace. He was always fair and cared about his crew as well as a hell of a melter.
Holly, I was devastated to hear about Ron. I shared a room with him in the Abbot Rd. apartment during the first half of 1970, not that I’d expect you to remember. Ron was truly one of a kind and easily the most memorable of friends. The last time I saw him, he was truly in his element: standing on a bench in the locker room at Ohio State screaming “We won this one for the old man!” I always thought we’d get together again. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
I worked for Ron at the BOF at the Rouge plant. He was a Good guy to work for! Sorry for your loss