Obituary for Ronald J. Austalosh
AUSTINTOWN – Ronald J. Austalosh,78, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018.
Ronald was born July 12, 1940, in Youngstown, the son of the late Arnold Austalosh and the late Mildred Wachuk.
Ronald was an accomplished Musician starting at the early age of 9, playing the accordion and keyboards with a professional career that spanned over 70 years.
Ronald was a graduate of Campbell Memorial High School and attended Youngstown College, where he earned a degree in Music from the Dana School of Music. Ronald was a percussion major at Dana School of Music, which was selected as the top 10 of all universities in the country to play overseas. He was a great musician, composer, recording artist and private teacher. He currently was a member of The Del Sinchak Orchestra. He also enjoyed playing solo at special events and different occasions, to bring happiness and joy through his music.
He played for high school hops and Friday football games. He appeared with Ted O’Connor and took First Place on Ted O’Connor’s Amateur hour on WFMJ. He also appeared on Gene Carroll’s WEWS Channel 5 TV.
He started with Chic Cotic and the Melody Aces, Austie & Bob Bigelow Duo, Austie’s Trio and formed his own band Austie & the Lavenders. He was the owner-operator of Austie’s Music Store in Austintown.
He played with America’s Polka King, Frank Yankovic, Canada’s Polka King, Walter Ostanek, and also with world famous accordionists, Dick Contino, Myron Floren, and Jimmy Sturr. He recorded with Bob Turcola, The Casuals, Del Sinchak, Hank Haller, Ray Slovenski, Bill Bevec, and a Christmas album with Jaclyn Hodos and The Penn - Ohio Polka Pals. He also was a member of The American Federation of Musicians and The Penn-Ohio Polka Pal’s. He was a two-time Grammy nominee and was awarded “The Sideman of the Year” Award from The UMPA – PA Club of Pittsburgh.
He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He always gave of himself and helped anyone in need. His love for his children was evident in his actions. He also enjoyed the special times together with Barbara; their walks, dinners, getting ice cream and attending Church.
He is survived by his three children, son Scott Austalosh, and daughters Michelle (Frank) Vennetti and Rhonda (Phillip); eight grandchildren; his loving friend Barbara Johnston; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Carol Norberg; and a brother, Robert Austalosh.
Ronald’s family wishes to express their gratitude to the special people and the First Responders, who cared for their Father.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home at 4442 South Ave. in Boardman. Funeral services will be at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, at the funeral home followed by a 10 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Columba Cathedral, 154 W. Wood St. in Youngstown.
Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Ronald’s family.
Ronald was born July 12, 1940, in Youngstown, the son of the late Arnold Austalosh and the late Mildred Wachuk.
Ronald was an accomplished Musician starting at the early age of 9, playing the accordion and keyboards with a professional career that spanned over 70 years.
Ronald was a graduate of Campbell Memorial High School and attended Youngstown College, where he earned a degree in Music from the Dana School of Music. Ronald was a percussion major at Dana School of Music, which was selected as the top 10 of all universities in the country to play overseas. He was a great musician, composer, recording artist and private teacher. He currently was a member of The Del Sinchak Orchestra. He also enjoyed playing solo at special events and different occasions, to bring happiness and joy through his music.
He played for high school hops and Friday football games. He appeared with Ted O’Connor and took First Place on Ted O’Connor’s Amateur hour on WFMJ. He also appeared on Gene Carroll’s WEWS Channel 5 TV.
He started with Chic Cotic and the Melody Aces, Austie & Bob Bigelow Duo, Austie’s Trio and formed his own band Austie & the Lavenders. He was the owner-operator of Austie’s Music Store in Austintown.
He played with America’s Polka King, Frank Yankovic, Canada’s Polka King, Walter Ostanek, and also with world famous accordionists, Dick Contino, Myron Floren, and Jimmy Sturr. He recorded with Bob Turcola, The Casuals, Del Sinchak, Hank Haller, Ray Slovenski, Bill Bevec, and a Christmas album with Jaclyn Hodos and The Penn - Ohio Polka Pals. He also was a member of The American Federation of Musicians and The Penn-Ohio Polka Pal’s. He was a two-time Grammy nominee and was awarded “The Sideman of the Year” Award from The UMPA – PA Club of Pittsburgh.
He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He always gave of himself and helped anyone in need. His love for his children was evident in his actions. He also enjoyed the special times together with Barbara; their walks, dinners, getting ice cream and attending Church.
He is survived by his three children, son Scott Austalosh, and daughters Michelle (Frank) Vennetti and Rhonda (Phillip); eight grandchildren; his loving friend Barbara Johnston; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Carol Norberg; and a brother, Robert Austalosh.
Ronald’s family wishes to express their gratitude to the special people and the First Responders, who cared for their Father.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home at 4442 South Ave. in Boardman. Funeral services will be at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, at the funeral home followed by a 10 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Columba Cathedral, 154 W. Wood St. in Youngstown.
Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Ronald’s family.