Reynaldo A. Ranola

Reynaldo “Rey” Ablaza Ranola, 74, of Morton Grove, was welcomed into the loving arms of The Lord on Oct. 14. Mr. Ranola was born on June 15, 1948 in the district of Pandacan in Manila, Philippines. After years of diligence, dedication, and sacrifice, Rey earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce, with a concentration in Accounting from Far Eastern University in Manila in 1973. He married Corazon Macabatas on August 14, 1976. During his professional career, Rey utilized his accounting expertise across a number of unique industries, most notably the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, where he retired in 2016.

Rey was a dedicated husband, father, brother, son, friend, and colleague. His fierce determination to overcome various challenges that were placed in front of him will be remembered by those that knew him best. He withstood an impoverished upbringing, battled a bout with colon cancer, and became a source of inspiration to his family and friends. Rey was a devoted Catholic, an active member of St. Martha Catholic Church in Morton Grove, and was a member of the Filipino-American Association of Morton Grove.

In addition to being generous with his time, Rey was equally generous with his resources. Rey was one of ten children and was the second eldest among the group. At an early age, he took on the role as a secondary father figure and provider for his siblings. Rey was instrumental in petitioning many of his family members to come to the United States. He even shared his home with some of those family members. Rey’s generosity truly knew no bounds.

Rey loved being around his family. Whether it was hosting family gatherings at his home or going out to different venues, Rey thoroughly enjoyed spending quality time with his siblings, sons, and grandchildren. Rey was often the first one to showcase his outstanding karaoke skills at family parties. He knew how to have a good time and cherished the time he spent with his family. His generosity, sense of humor, and sage advice will be sorely missed.

Rey is survived by his sons William (girlfriend Mary) and Henry (Lyka); grandchildren Orion and Ozella; and a large extended family in the U.S. and Philippines. He was preceded in death by his wife Corazon in 2015.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, October 18 at Simkins Funeral Home, 6251 Dempster Street in Morton Grove. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 19 at St. Martha Catholic Church, 8523 Georgiana Avenue in Morton Grove. Interment will follow at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles.

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