Ronald (Ron) Jensen passed away on June 20, 2021 at age 81 after a long journey living with Alzheimer’s and cancer. Ronald is predeceased by his wife, Kathleen Jensen, grandson Jack Howell, parents Barnhart and Grace Jensen and five of his older siblings. He is survived by his three children, Timothy Jensen, Jill (Kevin) DelVecchio, Megan (Todd) Howell, Sister Sue (Thomas) Wright, and five grandchildren: Ella, Grace, Nicholas, Parker and Annika.
Ron was born and raised in Fairport NY. He enjoyed being part of the Fairport community and established his own business in the Village of Fairport in 1960. Ron became partners in the business with Jim Aparo in 1965 to create what we all know today as R&J Barbershop. Rocky Ceravolo joined in partnership in 1972. R&J Barbershop quickly grew to be a local establishment for a great haircut and good conversation. Ron was well known for one of his trademark haircuts; shaving jersey numbers and symbols on the heads of the Football players. Generations continue to walk through the doors of R&J for this service, now run by Ron’s son, Timmy, and longtime business partner and friend, Rocky Ceravolo.
In 1962 Ron joined the Army and was stationed in Germany for some time. He returned safely and went right back to building his business, and reputation in the community.
Anyone that knew Ron, knows he took so much pleasure in driving the school bus for the Fairport School District. He did this for 36 years. He often said he adored the kids and interactions so much that he continued to drive for numerous Fairport sporting events on nights and weekends. Many people tell us how they enjoyed having Ron as their bus driver as a child. They remember him for singing silly songs and making up funny nicknames. He always had treats to pass out for each rider – and you better believe he knew each and every name! He was especially fond of the nickname “Ron Ron the Leprechaun” coined by some of his riders. Perhaps one of his most gratifying nicknames given to him by the community was “Ron the Rowdy Raider”. Ron attended just about every Fairport basketball and football game, home and away. He was one of their biggest fans; known for his rambunctious personality, boisterous cheers and loud paraphernalia. Anyone remember the garbage can lids?!
Ron is the proud recipient of the Fairport Golden “F” award and was entered into the Fairport Wall of Fame in October of 2000.
Being part of the Fairport Volunteer Fire Department was a great joy for Ron. He volunteered for more than 25 years. He was so honored to help his community in this way. His family and children idolized him as we would watch him march down Main Street in the iconic Fairport Parades.
When Ron was not at the shop or driving the bus, you would likely find him on the golf course. One of his favorite hobbies. He would enthusiastically tell the stories about his 2 in a lifetime hole in ones! He also took pleasure in participating on the FFD bowling and softball leagues. He always loved to travel with his wife Kathy and family. In their empty nest years, Ron and Kathy took many trips to see as many sights, and to visit as many states as they could together. Ron was only 9 states short from visiting all 50!
Those that knew him well, knew how meticulous he was about taking care of his home and specifically his lawn! He was the definition of the helpful and friendly neighbor. He was always social, personable and, quite frankly, embarrassing! But those are the characteristics that made him so loved and adored by anyone that knew him. He took so much pride in his home, his career, and most of all his family.
We are saying goodbye to a legend, to a hero, to our father. We are beyond heartbroken to see him leave us, but we know he is reunited with the love of his life. We love you dad, and we miss you both!
Calling Hours Sunday 12-3PM at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Graveside Service Monday 10AM at Oakwood Cemetery, Penfield.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Ron.
Comments
25 responses to “Jensen, Ronald L”
Megan, Tim and Jill, my heart is with you all!! We all loved your dad! From the time I was five until I went bald, he cut my hair. All those visits to the shop made us all the Fairport we are today! May his legacy live on! Peace to all! Thank you Ron for making Fairport our home!
To the family of Ron and Kathy you were close friends and I served as volunteer fireman next to you. Also on scuba team as well. Your family was mine also . My heart goes out to you all and love you all still. He will be missed more than people know. Love you all to both your mom and dad
I have known Ron for many years, enjoyed many haircuts and conversations during that long period of time. We had several mutual acquaintances which made the conversations even more important. Ron is one of those persons you will always remember, and appreciate the friendship.
Such a nice person. We always looked for him and his ladder at FHS football games. Condolences to his family, your dad was loved by many
CLem and Mary Lou SToltz
Dear Tim and family,
Your dad was one of the most caring people. I will always be grateful for his generous gift of time and talent to my now deceased father, Harry Luke. Ron visited my dad when he was in the hospital and gave dad a haircut. It was such a lovely gesture and Harry couldn’t wait to get out of the hospital and return to R&J’s for haircuts and chats with the guys! I’m so sorry for your loss. You can be sure Ron and Kathy are reunited and are flying with the Heavenly Angels and other family souls. God Bless you and those you love Tim. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Ron.
I was so fortunate to have this man as my bus driver. He set the gold standard! No other driver could compare! I still remember his songs, his infinite patience, his compassion and kindness. Kids knew they were loved and cared for and we never dreamed of making any trouble on his bus. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your grief.
So long to the true “Rowdy Raider”! I did not have the pleasure of growing up on the community, but my two sons did, and from the time they could get barbershop haircuts, they insisted upon R&J. After a short time they also convinced me that was the place to get a haircut and find out what was going on in the community – especially fairport HS sports! And who can forget the warmth and compassion he showed for “Doc”.
A bit of the Fairport/Perinton community may now have passed, but he will not soon be forgotten.
Rest well, Ron!
It is with great sadness that we must say good bye to Ron for now. We felt it was a pleasure to have know both Ron and Kathy. Please know that all of your family is in our prayers. We are so pleased that our son has become part of your wonderful family.
Rest In Peace Cousin Ron. You will be forever in my heart. Thanks for great memories. The original Rowdy Raider.
Ron was one of the three barbers that cut my hair (Ron, Rocky, and Jim). Ron was the 1st chair near the cash register. He was friendly and funny. He never forgot me, even after I showed up after 5 years of being away from home with my son. He was the definition of a “Red Raider”. He is a Fairport Legacy.
Ron cut my hair for many years-always enjoyed the conversation about Fairport and sports. The “banter” amongst everyone made it a “real guy’s barbershop”! My condolences to his family.
Tim, Jill and Megan, Our hearts go out to you all. So sad to hear of Ron’s passing. I have very fond memories of your Dad and Mom. You all are in our prayers.
I have been going to R&J’s for over 30 years and loved every visit and chance to listen to Ron. He was a blessing to every person that walked in that door. Before they took appointments he told you how long it would take to get in the chair and he never missed the next in line or a minute wait. I loved watching him work with the little ones in the booster seat. He was an awesome person in this community. May God bless this family at this time and may they rest in peace with the memories they have with this wonderful man.
Ron will always be known as Yappy Dog to me and my family. He was a mainstay in our annual family golf tournament, Wagner Ryder Cup. His personality was contagious and his jokes will be forever etched in my mind. Thank you for all the wonderful memories Yappy Dog. Sending our love to the entire Jensen family!
Proud to be named Yappy Dog Jr. after Ron. I had finally found someone who could talk more than me. Loved the times on the golf course and many rounds of euchre that we played together. Always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. Rest in paradise Yappy Dog and sending love to the Jensen’s.
Ron was one of a kind and loved by all! Thank you for being a wonderful mentor to my son yappy dog jr. You will be missed but never forgotten. Sending love to the Jensen family ?
It had to be Ron who made all the Moms in Fairport feel safe about their children on the school bus each day. He always knew how to make safe, happy kids. We were all grateful.. To his dear family we Coverts say kindest blessings. He is in our hearts forever. He was one of the best things about our life in Fairport.
It had to be Ron who made all the Moms in Fairport feel safe about their children on the school bus each day. He always knew how to make safe, happy kids. We were all grateful.. To his dear family we Coverts say kindest blessings. He is in our hearts forever. He was one of the best things about our life in Fairport.
Megan, Jill and Tim
Though I never met your dad, I understand the journey you’ve taken together and know what good people you are because of your love for him. Be easy on yourselves and know his kindness and love is with you forever.
Hard to imagine a Fairport game without Ron Jensen. He will be remembered for his presence. May those memories give the family peace and comfort. Phil Yawman ( senior)
Dear Jill, Kevin & Family,
Very sad to hear about the passing of your Dad. I know he had a full lifetime of accomplishments and was deeply admired and respected by all who knew him. God Bless You and all in your family.
He will be missed after 40 plus years of cutting my hair I’ll miss his great knowledge of everyone and his humor which made my time in the barbershop so memorable my thoughts and prayers for Ron’s family
He will be missed after 40 plus years of cutting my hair I’ll miss his great knowledge of everyone and his humor which made my time in the barbershop so memorable my thoughts and prayers for Ron’s family .
I first met Ron in 1974 after moving from Texas back to New York and Monroe County our home area.The move was a fractured tale and before settling in we lived temporarily on Blackwatch Trail. Needing a haircut I wandered in to their baber shop and have never left. Circumstances of the move made me feel like a displaced person. Sitting in that first chair (Ron’s) was my first sign of “being home”! Those three amigos became a marker in my life. I remember the banter that would take place., the jokes told and Ron’s immitations of certain folk that made us all laugh. It is a wonder that the haircuts were performed with such precision.
I do not quite understand why but some people enter and exit one’s life and leave an indelible mark even uder the most benign circumstance. He is missed and we all are the lesser for his absence. My condolence to his family. He left his mark on us all, didn’t he?
A true Fairport resident and always a supporter of Red Raider teams!
Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time. May all the wonderful memories you shared with your father help you through this difficult time.??????