Ronald James Lombardi

Lombardi. Ronald James (Ronnie)

Ronnie Lombardi was born in New Haven Ct. on May 1, 1932 and passed away at the age of 85 on July 22, 2017 after a brief illness. He was a man who grew up during hard times as his father died and left Ronnie the man of the house at an early age. He delivered milk to homes in New Haven and got up before school to deliver ice to the homes who had ice boxes for refrigeration. He hung out at the New Haven Ice Arena then home to the New York Rangers minor league hockey team. He played hockey at the semi-pro level and earned money as a "rink rat" clearing the ice during period breaks before the invention of the Zamboni. He went to work running the bleachers selling peanuts, popcorn and Cotton Candy which launched a life- long career in the concession business. He went on the road as a teen selling concessions at sporting events, circuses and other events held at venues in the area. He always sent his money home to take care of his mother and two sisters. He was in Cleveland Ohio when word came from his mother that the Army wanted him. He spent from 1952-1954 on the front lines in the Korean War with the 2nd Infantry Indianhead Division. When he returned, he went back to work doing what he knew how to do best. This time his travel took him further from home when he became an in- house agent for the concessionaire of the Cole Brothers/Daly Brothers Circus. He landed in California where he began booking his own spots. He worked The Rose Parade, Super Bowls, The Olympics, The Dallas World's Fair, and other major events. A stint with Western Amusements lead him to Atlanta in 1967 with the opening the Six Flags Park where he had monogrammed hat stands throughout the park. He made Atlanta his home. He was a partner at Club 112 and ultimately opened his own neighborhood Bar & Grill, Rascal's on Roswell Rd. When he sold Rascal's in 1992 he returned to the work he loved. He provided food and beverage concessions for several of the minor league soccer teams in Atlanta, and for the past 20 years supporting the city of Roswell's youth sports programs. He worked the Sno Cone stand right up until his 85th birthday.

Ron is survived by his wife of 37 years Bonnie Lynskey Lombardi of Roswell, daughters Ronette Patterson (Kenny), Marie Osterberg(Gary), son Mitchell Lombard, all currently living in California, step-daughter Tina Cohen of Marietta, sister Marilou D'Avino, grandchildren Pete Brown, Cameron Patterson, Troy Osterberg, Reed Osterberg, Lexi Osterberg, Samantha Cohen, Nicole Cohen and great-grandson Gabriel Brown. He is also survived by loving cousins, nieces, in particular, Jamie Prendergast who always had a special place in his heart, and nephews, extended family and lifelong friends. He is predeceased by son Steven Lombardi and sister Elaine Carroll.

His ashes will be interned at the National Cemetery in Canton Georgia with military honors on Tuesday Sept 5 at 2:30 pm. Friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life at TJ's Sports Bar located at 2880 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Alpharetta Ga 30022 at 4:00 immediately following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation to the "Friends of Roswell Parks- Play it Forward Program" in honor of Ron Lombardi. The Play it forward Program helps to provide scholarships to the children of Roswell in order to participate in the Recreation and Parks programs. Please send donations to:

Friends of the Roswell Parks, Inc.

Attn: Ron Lombardi – Play it Forward

P O Box 1612

Roswell Ga. 30077