Ron was born on October 30, 1942 in Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Colorado during WW II, to his parents Dale T Damery (WWII Army Veteran) and Leota (Dayton) Damery.  The family  eventually moved to St Louis in 1956 where Ron attended Busch Elementary and then Southwest High School. After high school, Ron joined the US Army and served honorably in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC. Ron was a patriot who loved and served this country in many ways throughout his life.  As result, Ron is entitled to a military funeral with Full Military Honors at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery which will take place on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 2:30 PM.

After leaving the Army, Ron joined the St Louis Fire Department in 1966 and was a proud member of Rescue Squad 1. Ron was a firefighter for 30 years, and during this time he never hesitated to risk his life alongside his firefighter family in order to save the lives of countless others. To say Ronnie “loved his Job” is an understatement.

In 1984, Ron fell off a roof and shattered both his legs, but not while fighting a fire. The irony was not lost on him. In fact, he was working for Fritsch Roofing, which was a job he did on his “off” days. He and his baby daughter learned to walk together as Ronnie worked hard in rehab so he could return to full-duty at the Fire Department. Unsurprisingly, Ronnie was successful, and in no time, he was back to doing what he loved: fighting fires and saving lives. After his retirement, Ron decided he couldn’t just sit around, so he started tending bar and finally purchased the Silver Leaf Tavern (which was frequented by many first responders) in 2002. He operated it until 2018 when he sold it and tried to retire again. This time retirement stuck, but Ron stayed busy by being active in the Lemay Aces as their Sergeant-at-Arms, tending bar, and spending time with family and friends.

Ronnie died peacefully on May 25, 2023, surrounded by his partner, Laurie Stayton, his baby sister, Karen Catalano; and his daughter Shannon. They held his hands and sang him his favorite 50’s & 60’s songs to send him on his way.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Leota Dayton; his father, Dale T Damery; and his favorite brother-in-law and one of his closest friends, John Catalano. In addition to the three singers named above, Ron is also survived by Deborah Damery, mother of his children; his children, Shannon and Ryan; his beloved Aunt Delaine Dayton; and cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.  He will also be missed by his furry friend, Kita, the dog; and a geriatric cat named Arlo Guthrie.

Ron was a strong supporter of the BackStoppers and knew they would look after his family if it was ever needed. This is why his family requests that you donate to the BackStoppers in lieu of flowers.

As mentioned, Ron will be buried at Jefferson Barracks Military Cemetery with full military honors, on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 2:30 PM.  We will have 25 minutes to complete our service.  After the Service there will be an informal “Celebration of the Life of Ron Damery”  hosted by the Lemay Aces, 533 Poepping St, St Louis, Mo 63111. The celebration, a collective effort of those who loved him, will begin at 3:30pm.There will be snacks, pizza, and water provided.  A CASH Bar will be available. Friends and Family are invited to share any pictures or fond memories of the fun times with Ron.

Ron played many roles in life and was also many different things to many people.

Ronald “Ron” Patrick Damery, AKA Ronnie, AKA, Ronald Peter Paul Patrick Damery The Third, AKA Ron-T, AKA The Mustache, AKA Daddio, AKA The Legend.  He was a Soldier, Firefighter, Roofer, Entrepreneur Bar owner, Father, Husband, Brother, Partner, Nephew, and Friend. He was also the class clown, falsetto singer, and professional buddy.  We ALL loved Ronnie in our own way and Ron was everybody’s Best Friend.  He will be sorely missed by all, but fondly remembered whenever we hear one of his favorite 50/60’s songs, an off-color joke, or the sirens of “The Good Guys” (the firefighters in their firetrucks).  He will also be remembered for his selfless acts of courage, love, and heroism. Here’s to Ronnie,

The Legend.