Ronald F. Mayoral

Ronald Frederick Mayoral (1946–2025)

A Marine. A Cop. A Karaoke Legend.

Ronald Frederick Mayoral—(aka Ron, Ronnie, Poppy, Grandpa, Bad Grandpa)—passed away on December 12, 2025, in Roswell, New Mexico, at the age of 79. Never one to miss an opportunity for a memorable moment, Ron chose to depart on the birthday of his beloved mother, Rosella.

Born November 14, 1946, in Denver, Colorado, Ron grew into a man of many talents and strong opinions. He proudly served as a United States Marine, later dedicating over three decades to the Denver Police Department (1973–2005). He believed in discipline, loyalty, and the unquestionable superiority of his own methods.

Ron was a man of passions. He loved karaoke with the confidence of someone who had never once questioned his vocal range. He loved dancing with the enthusiasm of a man who had never met a dance floor he couldn’t conquer. He loved ice cream at all hours; popcorn and corn nuts with a devotion bordering on spiritual. And he loved the Denver Broncos—fiercely, loudly, and conditionally, as long as they were playing well.

He is survived by his daughters, Rhonda (Mark) and Tanya (Mike), who inherited his strength, his stubborn streak, and his ability to turn any conversation into a debate. He was a proud grandfather to Danielle, Josh (Brianna), Andrea (Dakota), and Evan, and a great-grandfather to Mason, Maverick, Jaxson, Jaydon, and Gianna. With his grandkids, Ron was less Marine and more professional jokester.

He is also survived by his sister Julie (Michael), brothers Michael and David (Lucille), and a wide network of family and friends who will forever hear his voice in their heads saying, “Well, that’s not how I would’ve done it.”

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Emilio and Rosella, whom he has now reunited with—likely with at least one joke that probably shouldn’t be repeated in church.

Ron will be remembered as fearless, stubborn, hilarious, and unapologetically himself. He believed life was too short for bad music, boring food, or weak Broncos seasons. His legacy lives on in the people who loved him, the stories that will only get better with time, and the generations who inherited his strength and slightly warped sense of humor.

He will be deeply missed, loudly celebrated, and forever legendary. High Five, Ron.

A service to honor Ron will be held on February 28, 2026 at St. Paul’s Community Church, 8001 W. 23rd Ave., Lakewood, CO 80214 at 10:00 a.m., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Roswell, NM Humane Society in his memory—because beneath the tough exterior and sarcastic commentary, Ron had a soft heart, especially for animals.