Ron Prestia, 85, a member of Local 802 since 1958, died on March 2, 2024.

Ron grew up playing the street game “skelly” in Brooklyn, but music was his passion and it was always played in his home. After mastering the recorder, he borrowed a friend’s guitar and played the practice exercises until his fingers bled. As he continued to improve, make connections and play gigs, Ron fulfilled his dream of becoming a professional musician, a career that lasted over 50 years. He played guitar and bass with some of the great bands of his time, including Skitch Henderson and Peter Duchin, among many others. Later, he played rock with club date bands. His contemporaries affectionately called him the dean of rock and roll. He also taught guitar privately.

Ron and his wife Phyllis retired to sunny San Diego in the early 2000’s. Friends appreciated Ron’s quirky t-shirt collection and his great sense of humor. He will be deeply missed.

Besides Phyllis, Ron is survived by his sister Whitney, children Christopher and Andrea, niece Courtney, nephews Jason and Eric, grandniece Lola and grandnephew Levi, all of whom were very special to him.

Obituary submitted by Phyllis Prestia, Ron’s wife of 46 years.