Ronald John Hargarten

Ronald John Hargarten, age 82, a resident of Oswego, IL since 2021, formerly of Palos Park, IL passed away peacefully in his daughter’s Oswego home on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. He was born on January 16, 1943 in Chicago, IL.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Janet and his parents, John and Bernice (nee Slezak) Hargarten. He is survived by his five children: Leslie (Greg) Zander, Christopher Hargarten, Suzanne (Jasen) Beste, Jeffrey Hargarten, and Sarah (Charles) Bacani; his eleven grandchildren: Grace and Lilly Zander, Hannah (Drew Willer), Emma, Everett and Hunter Beste, Ella, Lucas, Chloe, Sidney and Olivia Bacani; and his brother Allen Hargarten. He will be missed by many family and friends.

Ron grew up in Chicago, IL and was a 1960 graduate of Brother Rice High School. He worked at Sears Roebuck and Co where he met his wife Janet. A devoted father of five, Ron was very involved in the lives of his children from coaching his sons’ baseball teams to watching his daughters’ dance recitals. He loved to golf, travel and build model railroads. During the winter months, Ron enjoyed his time in New Port Richey, FL. He was an avid reader and enjoyed researching family ancestry. He worked hard for his family and was always the first person to help solve any problem that arose. Ron was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and was the recipient of a successful liver transplant in 2003. He participated in the Transplant Games of America where he enjoyed connecting with other transplant recipients.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Church, 10731 W. 131st Street, Orland Park, IL. There will be a private luncheon immediately following service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron’s memory can be made to: Alpha-1 Foundation, 3300 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, Florida 33134, www.alpha1.org