Ronald L. Duranto, age 94 of Manhattan, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Survived by his four daughters Lynn (Scott) Traser of Macomb, IL, Elizabeth (Ronald Sr.) Vanderhyden of Diamond, IL, Mary Susan (Thomas) Fisher of Noblesville, IN, and Amy Joanne (Anthony) Brandolino of Braidwood, IL, his son John Charles (Amy) Duranto of Kokomo, IN, 16 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Preceded in death by his dear wife Mary Joan "Jonie" Duranto (nee Bulkley), parents Joseph Duranto and Ruth Maute, stepmother Margaret Duranto, brother Jack N. Duranto, and sisters R'Lee Hedden and Patricia Medin.

Ron was born in Joliet, IL. He served in the U.S. Navy through the era of the Korean Conflict. He moved to Manhattan in 1961 and became a long-time member of St. Joseph's Parish. He taught in Matteson School District 162 his entire teaching career, educating and inspiring countless children through the years. He loved his family more than anything, and he always remained devoted to his darling Jonie as there was no one else after her. He especially enjoyed going out to dinners with his son. Ron was more than content to have a good waffle or a good steak! He also made the most of his winters out in Florida, going to the amusement park on the daily with a great group of senior friends and sharing in their rollercoaster thrills. An active and caring father, grandpa, great grandpa, uncle, cousin, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial Visitation for Ron will take place on Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 10:00-11:30 A.M. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Prayers will be held at the funeral home at 11:30 which will be immediately followed by procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manhattan, IL for Memorial Mass at 12:00 P.M. Committal Service and Inurnment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors will take place privately in the springtime. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.