Ronald “Corky” Conzonire was born February 12th, 1943 at Lincoln Hospital in Los Angeles. He was raised in Alhambra, California with his sister Harriette Donenfeld and brother Joe Conzonire. He attended Alhambra High School and played on the football team. It was here that he met the love of his life, Marilyn Aprato. Upon graduation from High School in 1960, Corky attended the University of California, Los Angeles.
Corky and Marilyn married on September 8th, 1962 and celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary last year. They were blessed with two wonderful children, daughter Jodi and son Joe. Corky was very close to his son-in-law Tony and daughter-in-law Stacey and adored his five grandchildren, Katie, Jeffrey, Annie (Conzonire), Michael and Matthew (Salerno). There was nothing that Corky liked better than attending one of his grandchildren’s programs and sporting events.
A businessman for many years, Corky was associated with The Hat restaurant working as partners with his brother Joe. His employees remember his friendliness and cheerful nature.
Corky served the community as President of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses in 2009. This position allowed him to travel extensively with Marilyn to visit bands for the 2009 Parade. Corky’s enthusiasm and love of people made him the perfect ambassador for this iconic Pasadena tradition.
Despite fighting courageously for 18 years, Corky lost his battle with Lymphoma on January 21, 2021. City of Hope provided him with state-of-the-art care under the incredible and compassionate direction of Dr. Alexandra Levine. The family is deeply grateful to Dr. Levine and her team for giving them so many additional years with Corky.
Corky will be remembered as a kindhearted, gentle, intelligent and humorous man. With his sparkling blue eyes and innate people skills, he possessed a natural charisma that captivated all those who knew him. He was a loyal friend and loving husband, father, brother and grandfather.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The City of Hope.
Obituary | Ronald ‘Corky’ Conzonire
