Ron Polancich Obituary Buffalo Grove, IL, Chicago College Of Performing Arts Employee Has Died – Death
Ron Polancich Obituary, Death – Residents of Buffalo Grove are deeply grieved by the loss of Ron Polancich, a popular music educator and a cherished husband, father, and grandfather. On February 21, 2024, Ron, who was 70 years old, went away at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. He made a significant impact on the field of music instruction.
A Journey of Love from a Father: Along with his brothers Robert (Barbara) and Jeff (Lisa) Polancich, father-in-law Robert Cole, and their sons Benjamin (Todd Ronna) and Jacob (Laura) Polancich, Ron is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Nancy. His mother-in-law Peggy Cole and parents, Nicholas and Barbara Polancich, died before him. Ron’s life was anchored by his unwavering love and dedication to his family.
A Love for Teaching Music: Ron’s Career Legacy: Ron was a music educator for over 40 years, a long and distinguished career. He completed his studies at Northwestern University, where he graduated with a Master of Music in Conducting in 1980, after graduating from Augustana College in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. Ron developed a passion for education at the Laraway School in Joliet, where he also succeeded when working as the band director at Highland Park High School from 1981 to 1988.
Ron’s Influence on Students: Prior to his well-earned retirement in 2008, he also held the positions of director of bands and chair of the music department at York High School in Elmhurst. The impact of Ron Polancich extended outside of the classroom. As a professor at Roosevelt and DePaul Universities, he carried on influencing the direction of music education. Ron was a well-liked Midwest clinician and adjudicator who delighted many pupils with his passion for music.
A Lasting Legacy: All those fortunate enough to learn from him are left with enduring impressions by his unwavering dedication to his trade and genuine compassion for his students. The length of Ron and Nancy Polancich’s marriage demonstrated their close relationship. He was incredibly proud of his sons Ben and Jake’s achievements and felt privileged to be Claire and Molly’s grandfather.
Details of the Memorial Service: The Polancich family cordially welcomes friends, colleagues, and well-wishers to a visitation on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home. Another visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 AM.
Ron has asked that memorial donations be sent to either the Augustana College Band and Choir Touring Endowment Fund ([advancement.augustana.edu](https://advancement.augustana.edu/) or Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church ([oursaviours.org](https://oursaviours.org/) in place of flowers. This illustrates his commitment to community service and education. People in Buffalo Grove will remember Ron Polancich as a great man who was polite, committed, and enthusiastic about music education.
