Ron was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Del & Fay Wartzok on June 4, 1953. He graduated from Snider High School and later earned a degree in Engineering Technology from IPFW. He married Cynthia Smyth in December 1990 and celebrated 36 years of marriage. Ron worked at Sweetwater, WMEE, Classic Stereo and Pyard Sound.

His real love, though, was for Cynthia and the Pulse Opera House which they founded in Warren in 1987. He was well known for his creative set designs, as well as sound and lighting effects. Ron ran a tight ship and trained actors young and old in the protocol of the theatre. He had an impact on many lives. His spirit can be felt everywhere in the theatre. Every microphone and speaker was hung by Ron. Walls, windows and other set pieces were designed and hand built by Ron.  He was passionate about his work and took pride in doing it right. Ron fought cancer for 19 years.

The past several years were really brutal, taking away his ability to walk and suffering great physical pain. With pure determination he climbed the stairs to the theatre and the stairs into the sound booth. He was not going to let cancer take away the work that gave his life meaning. Those in the shows and those attending them were blessed by his work.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Del and Fay Wartzok and a sister Judy Wentzel. He is survived by his wife Cynthia Smyth-Wartzok; his brother Rick Wartzok; his niece Laurie (Don) Exner; his nephew Scott (Gabriel) Neal; niece Amy (Karl) Trimble; his nephew Mike Wentzel; his great nieces Mackenzie and Cameron Neal and Abby (John) Bianco and his great nephew Justin (Shannon) Wentzel.

Family and friends may gather to share and remember at Glancy H. Brown & Son, located at 203 North Matilda Street in Warren, on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

A graveside service will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery on Friday, May 29 at 11:00 AM.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Pulse Opera House, P.O. Box 631, Warren, IN 46792.