Ronald Anthony Koenig

On Monday, March 27th, 2023, Ronald Anthony Koenig passed away on a trip with his son to Amicalola State Park in Georgia. 
Ron was born in Cleveland, OH on April 6th, 1959 to Ernest and Rita Koenig.

He attended Our Lady of Mount Caramel in Wickliffe, OH from 1967-1974 where he joined the Mount Caramel Players, and discovered his love for theater. He continued this love of theater at St. Joseph High School from 1974-1977. 

During this time he joined and was heavily involved with the Boy Scouts of America, eventually earning the title of Eagle Scout. Through this, Ron found his love for adventure, and for the outdoors. 

He brought these passions into college with him, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Theater Art Management from Wright State University in 1984. Ron then spent a year earning his Professional Stage Management Certificate from The Juilliard School before finally earning his Master of Fine Arts in Theater Arts Management from Brooklyn College in 1987. During this time he spent 2 years living in Kyoto, Japan Studying Traditional Japanese Theater.

From 1984-1990 he worked numerous theater jobs in New York City. He started as a Production Intern at The Acting Company, eventually earning the roles of Stage Manager for Operaworks, Trisha Brown Dance Company, and Theaterworks USA just to name a few.

His passion continued on the high seas with the Holland America Cruise Lines from 1990-1994. In his time there, he designed sound and lighting for world-class entertainers. He used these tools to travel all over the world collecting stories and memorabilia from the likes of Osaka, Hong Kong, and Barcelona to share with his family. Ron would often bring his parents and loved ones along for these once in a lifetime adventures. He knew how crucial these experiences were to growing the relationships with his loved ones. 

From 1994-2002, Ron spent his time as a Professor and Director of the Arts at Kirtland Community College, Northwood University, and Macomb Community College. His creative approach to teaching and enthusiastic personality made him a favorite amongst his many students.

The most important thing in Ron’s life, above all else, was his family. His parents, siblings, and children were always put first.
In his later years he began taking yearly hiking trips with his son. After his heart attack in 2018, his health became his number one priority. With the help, and support of his girlfriend, Dotti, he adopted the whole food plant based lifestyle. Making blog posts, sharing recipes daily with his children, and going to events where he could speak to the doctors he looked up to. He was so proud of his health, and improvements he had made.
On March 27th Ron set out with his son, Ian, on his attempt to thru hike the Appalachian Trail. The goal was to hike together the first day, then Ian would continue solo for the next six months. He suffered his second heart attack, passing away in Dawson, GA. He passed away sharing his love and passions with one of his children right by his side.
Ron fully immersed himself in everything he did. Whether it be theater, the outdoors, teaching, his diet or his family, Ron was guaranteed to show up as his best and give his all. He lived a vibrant, exciting life, and his story will be told for years and years to come.

He is survived by: his sister, Marylou (Bill) Hornung; brother, Robert (Cindy); daughter, Ashleigh; son, Ian; his 7 nieces and nephews; and his longtime girlfriend, Dotti. He was preceded in death by: his parents, Rita and Ernest Koenig. The family will receive friends for a remembrance gathering on Tuesday April 4, 2023 from 4:30pm until 6:00 p.m. at the Church, followed by a memorial mass at 6:00pm at St. Joseph Church, 32929 E Lake Rd Avon Lake, OH 44012.

Donations can be made in memory  of Ron to Cleveland Public Theater online at cptonline.org/support or mailed to Cleveland Public Theater at 6415 Detroit Avenue Cleveland, OH 44102.

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