Ronald John Zervoudakis

Ronald John Zervoudakis, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to George Christopher Zervoudakis and Ceceil Furcone (nee Meister), Ron grew up in Long Island, New York. He moved to Florida in 1965 to attend the University of Miami, where he would ultimately settle down, becoming a life-long resident of the Sunshine State.

In 1981, Ron married Martha Ibanez, and together they raised four wonderful sons. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Martha, children and grandchildren: Alexandro, Tatiana and Aiden Zervoudakis of Tamarac, Florida; Kristofer, Sharlette, Olivia and Maxwell Zervoudakis of Land O'Lakes, Florida; Nikolas, Yesenia and Benjamin Zervoudakis of Miami, Florida; and Lukas Zervoudakis of Southwest Ranches, Florida. They will carry on his memory.

Ron was a special education teacher for 42 years in Miami. He was passionate about using assistive technology to help his profoundly mentally handicapped students reach their full potential, leaving an indelible mark of the lives of many children and families.

A lifelong nature enthusiast, Ron had a deep love for plants and animals, often remarking he could have easily become a park ranger. His connection to the natural world was evident in everything he did. He was an avid traveler along with Martha and their travel buddy, Estanne Perrier. He was particularly drawn to the mountains and national parks where he found peace and inspiration.

A man of many talents and hobbies, Ron was an accomplished embroiderer, a skill he leaned from his mother, a talented milliner. He also enjoyed building intricate wooden model ships, working on stained glass projects, collecting unique knives, and capturing life through photography. His creative spirit and curiosity touched everything he did, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship and a profound appreciation for nature.

Ron will be remembered by his family and friends as an intelligent, kind-hearted, and sometimes rough-around-the-edges man who always had a thirst for learning and loved his family unconditionally. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit lives on in the many lives he touched.