Arnold, CA…We are heartbroken to announce the death of a beloved man Ronald J. Motta: husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, God father, colleague and cherished friend. Ron left us after a valiant and courageous fight with cancer on December 2, 2015, while surrounded by loved ones. He was born on November 28, 1933 to Italian immigrants Joseph and Clara Motta who came to America for a better life. Ron spent his earlier years in the Bronx, NY. Italian was his first language and he could speak little English his first day of school. Ron was very bright and at an early age, he excelled in school, later graduating from Iona Prep, then Holy Cross and then a law degree from Santa Clara University.

Ron strived to be “Christ-like” his entire life. His parents would say admiringly that he was special; he was very smart, very nice, and generous to a fault. Ron truly lived his life in service to God, his family, his friends and his community. He was a noble and respected attorney, who helped innumerable people along his way. Known as a sweet, sweet man, most of his good deeds went unnoticed. He was always volunteering at various charities wherever he lived including starting the Fremont Boys club in the 1970’s, serving on the Alameda County Board of Education, Easter Seals Board, he taught skiing to blind and developmentally disabled children, he served on Legal Aid and volunteered at different Courthouses in different capacities, and he was honored by the naming of the Ronald J. Motta School for the Developmentally Disabled in Fremont in the 1980’s.

Extremely witty, bright and charming, Ron made everyone feel at ease and loved. He made it a priority to single out and advise those in need, no matter who they were or where they came from. His sense of humor was infectious and people were drawn to his warmth, his empathy and his sincerity. He had so many dear friends and treasured these relationships his entire life. Ron was happiest when he was with his family and his great friends. Just a few days before he left, he reminisced, “we had a million laughs”.

Ron met Marilyn on a blind date when he was a Deputy with the Alameda County District Attorney; they were later married in Dunsmuir California. They raised their four children in Fremont, where Ron had a busy Law Practice and he was accomplished in several different fields of the law. When retired, they moved to the Sierra Nevada in Arnold, CA, and then more recently to the Oakmont Community in Santa Rosa. Ron is survived by loving wife Marilyn of 54 years; his children, Joe (Donna), Michele Rouse (Tom); Christina Motta Horvat; his grandchildren, Sara Barker (Justin), Stephen, Elizabeth, Dominique, Ronny, Tony, Nicky, Joey and Gabriella; and newest family members, great grandchildren Amelia and Matilda. Ron is also survived by a loving and grieving family throughout California and as far away as Italy. The family would like to thank St. Joseph’s Hospice of Santa Rosa, they are angels. Ron’s final days were difficult and the family is relieved that he is now at peace in the loving arms of his son David, parents Clara and Joe Motta; relatives; and friends who preceded him in death. A memorial is planned at Star of the Valley church 11:00, on Saturday, December 11, 2015, 545 White Oak Dr., Santa Rosa, CA 94509, with a reception to follow. Ciao, Bello.