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Dr. Ronald Miriani
Apr 15, 1937 - May 19, 2020

Dr. Ronald Miriani 83, peacefully passed away May 19, 2020. He was born to Joseph Aloysius Miriani and Catherine Alice Conlen in Detroit, MI on April 15, 1937. His father would become a banker, his uncle the mayor. Ron attended De LaSalle Catholic High School and the University of Michigan, a constant source of pride.

 

Ron moved his family from Michigan to the Kansas City area to teach at Park College (Park University) in 1964. Except for teaching high school for a short period, Ron devoted his entire career to Park University where he earned his PhD and both the Outstanding Professor in 1997 and the Torchlighter Award in 2003. His love of history was infectious. Ron was a beloved professor who would spontaneously move class outside on a nice day, or convene at a historic destination. Working as the Chairman of History for a private Liberal Arts College provided opportunity to teach a wide variety of subjects, but the American Frontier was his specialty. During his teaching career, Ron wrote two books; The Heroic Frontiersman: An Evolving American and Walking Tours of Historic Kansas City. In retirement, Ron worked as a local historian leading hundreds of Kansas City visitors on tours of the city. 



Ron nearly loved the arts as much as history -- especially music. He played several instruments and had a passion for Irish folk songs. His spontaneity also extended to travel; eclectic interests might call him to travel the west, research military battles back east, interview elders on a reservation, or study at a monastery while befriending the monks. Ron was a student of the world's religions but he was active with Meals on Wheels at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. He also appreciated the friendship and camaraderie of his men’s bible study at Platte Woods United Methodist Church.

 

 

He is survived by his wife Tammy Tucker Miriani, his daughters Julie (Vincent) Cirlincuina, Paula Miriani, Samantha (Chris) Price, his sons Joseph (Holly) Miriani, Andrew (Debbie) Miriani, and Kenneth Gorman. His grandchildren Nicholas, Logan, Matthew and Maci. His sisters Barbara (Don) Kasler and Penney Kennedy live in Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mary Alice (Don) Byrne.



A Memorial Service is being planned at Park University campus for September.
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Condolences

Trisha Sinkhorn May 22, 2020

Student & mentee ,Kansas City ,Missouri

WoW! Dr. Miriani has gone home. I loved listening to him teach history. I got the bug early on at Maple Woods, but Ron had a different approach. He & Tammy both helped me be a better scholar & learner! I’ll have a scotch for him tonight! Cheers mate! 🍻

Lynn Hinkle Roberts May 23, 2020

Friend ,Weatherby Lake ,Missouri

Ron was a kind and loving man with a curious mind and great sense of humor. My deepest condolences to his family.

Yolanda Bediako May 24, 2020

Acquaintance ,Kansas city ,Missouri

I'm so sorry for your loss. May he rest well.

Barbara Bucker May 27, 2020

Friend and G&HTC member ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I send my deepest sympathy to the family. May Ron Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory! Barbara Bucker

Janet Sweeting May 27, 2020

Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Please accept my husbands and my condolences. We have known Ron for many years through the Cathedral. Janet & Ric Sweeting

Donna Knoell and Jim Royer May 27, 2020

friends from Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

We are saddened to learn of Ron's death. Just before the coronavirus caused everyone to worship online, we enjoyed seeing Ron at church several times. Years back, Ron participated in the dinner group that my husband and I organized, and we very much treasured Ron's friendship and his keen knowledge of so many interesting things. We want to extend our sympathy to you in this time of loss. May God bless you and comfort you.

Vangie Rich May 27, 2020

Church friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I am sadded to see that Ron has passed away. He had a brilliant mind and great memory. When I was working on a trivia contest of Hometown Heroes, Ron gave me so many leads for fun trivia questions, that I had too many for the quiz! Thank you Ron! You made me look so smart!!!

Amanda Irvin-Black May 29, 2020

Student ,Parkville ,Missouri

Dr. Miriani was wonderful. He taught me to meditate, which helps my mental health to this day. His walking tour classes were my favorite time at Park. He will be missed by so many. My condolences.

Jackie Bradbury May 29, 2020

Student, Park Alumna ,Gladstone ,Missouri

Dr. Ron Miriani was one of those special teachers that inspire generations of students. A lover of music, history, and art, creative and intelligent and kind, he was a special, one-of-a-kind member of the Park family. He will be sorely missed.

Roger Heidt May 30, 2020

Student ,El Paso ,Texas

Sending prayers to the family. He was my advisor in 1969. He was a wonderful man. Rest In Peace.

Nina Eva Hajda May 30, 2020

KC Outdoor Club ,Shawnee ,Kansas

In these times of upheaval, find the time to reflect and grieve. My first introduction to Ron was when he conducted a tour for the club. Later interactions, I found Ron to have a wry sense of humor, who openly expressed his thoughts. My thoughts are with the whole family.

Nan Schooling May 31, 2020

Friend ,Parkville ,Missouri

I am so sorry to hear of Ron’s death. He and I have been friends since the 1970s. My daughter Andy also sends her condolences. You all are in our prayers and thoughts. God bless.

Kathy Cundiff May 31, 2020

Student then friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Admired and loved this man. Privileged and enriched to have known him. RIP my friend. You will be missed.

James Adkins Jun 05, 2020

Former student ,Kansas City ,Missouri

So sad to hear about Professor Miriani’s passing. His teaching style drew me in instantly and resulted in me getting my degree in History. My prayers to his family for one of the best teachers and gentleman I’ve had the privilege to know.

JanSteGermaine Jun 07, 2020

Friend from Church & book club ,Parkville ,Missouri

My husband and I enjoyed Ron and his contributions to our Bible study classes at church and also his insights to books and authors we discussed at book club. Since my husband was also afflicted with Parkinsons, we felt a genuine connection to Ron and I think both John and Ron cheered for each other in their health journeys. I send condolences to his loved ones knowing there's a lot to miss in his absence.

Father Joseph Cisetti Jul 24, 2020

Clergy ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Please accept my prayers and belated sympathy. Just this morning I just learned of Ron's passing this morning. I used to visit him at The Gardens. May our faith in Jesus' triumph over death give you consolation and peace in this time of loss and sorrow.