Ronald J. Nightingale

NIGHTINGALE, Ronald J.; of Clarkston, Michigan formerly of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; born on September 11, 1933 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Edward and Ruth Nightingale; passed away on December 29, 2024 at the age of 91. Husband of Christine for 65 years; father of Mark Nightingale, Catharine (David) Peterson, and Gregory Nightingale; grandpa "Papa" of Emily (fiancé Ethan Engdahl), Andrew Nightingale, Benjamin (Jeannette) Peterson, Maisey (fiancé Brant McCollum) Peterson, and Paige Peterson; great grandpa of Jack Peterson (and Luna Peterson, soon on the way)

Ron served in the U. S. Army, 101st Airborne Division, from 1956-1958. He earned an undergraduate degree in business administration from Michigan State University (MSU) and was a proud Spartan. He proudly played trumpet in the MSU Marching Band and had the honor to march in the 1954 Rose Bowl. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity at MSU and remained an active alumnus. He earned his MBA from Wayne State University and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Comptroller for many companies including Cadillac Motor Division, Ernst & Ernst, American Axle and Manufacturing (AAM), and a CPA firm that bore his name and that of his business partners.  During his retirement years, Ron shared his musical talents playing with bands performing in Charlevoix, Traverse City, and Franklin, Michigan – traveling as far as South Korea for a missionary outreach program.  Ron enjoyed strolling on the beach with Chris, boating, golfing, cross-country skiing, reading, attending Bible study, hiking with his grandchildren and dogs, and spending cherished time with his family and friends.  He will be remembered for his positive outlook on life, easy laugh and sense of humor, and always ready to share a glass of wine and listen to music - both new and old favorites. Ron will be greatly missed by his family and friends, and will always be remembered whenever the MSU fight song is played.

Friends may visit Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025 followed by a Memorial Service with military honors at 12:30 p.m.  Private interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Michigan State University Music Department (music.msu.edu/giving-alumni/ or call 517-353-9872).

Please leave a memory or condolence on Ron's online guestbook below