Ronald Jacobson January 25, 1943 - July 16, 2022

would use the phrase, “We had a great run.” We had fabulous parents, Max and Ray, who both lived long and happy lives. That was our first “great run”. We had an incredible childhood growing up in the 50’s, when Miami was a relatively small city. That certainly was another “great run”. Ronald had wonderful friends from his teens and college years that have lasted a lifetime. And he had other dear friends whom he knew for over 50 years. He loved them and they loved him. Could there be a better “great run” than having these friendships?

“The Bubba” loved fine food and great wines. What a “great run” we had at one of the best restaurants ever in Coral Gables… Vinton’s… with its owners Hans and Rene. What a “great run” we had at Bern’s Steakhouse in Tampa, where Ron would spend time with its owner, Bern Laxer, in his upstairs office. What a “great run” he had with Gus Gregory, his dearest friend… at Pebble Beach… where they went with the Restaurant Association every year… for so many years.

And I had a “great run” with “The Bubba”. As a kid, I always looked up to my big brother, and as I got older,

I so respected him. He was so bright, and as an inventor he held many patents in food service and food safety. As a person, he emulated my father… all class. He was always there for me. When Jan died, he was there… and a year later, he was instrumental in convincing me that ‘life must go on’.

But his “greatest run” of all was with his wife, Ronee, a love lasting over 52 years. He always adored her and to the end tried to make the reality she’d face, easier for her.

After spending most of his life in Miami, in 2016 “The Bubba” and Ronee moved to The Villages. And what a move it was… just another “great run”. There, they were able to develop wonderful friendships with so many warm and caring people.

But if his “greatest run” was with Ronee, his children, Laura (Darin) and Leslie, were his “greatest accomplishment”. He loved them with all his heart, just as he loved his grandchildren, Alexa, Kylie, Emily, and Jake.

So now, the lives of those who loved him must go on without him. Of course, he’ll always be with us… just not in the way we wanted. For me personally, I will miss him terribly. I’ll miss our phone calls. I’ll miss sharing ideas and opinions with him. I’ll miss his caring and his kindness. And I’ll miss his unbelievable humor. He was hilarious and always made me laugh.

This time, the world truly lost a great one… a special gem.

Until we see each other again, I love you Bubba.

The Bubba