Harold Ronk

HAROLD RONK, the 17th Ringmaster in the history of the of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and the first of their "Singing Ringmasters" of so many, many years and loved by all who knew him, passed away peacefully at Graham Hospital, Canton, Illinois at 5:50 a.m. Central Standard Time, Wednesday, August 2, 2006.

Harold was a graduate of Bradly University, Peoria, Illinois. He was aNavy Veteran having served his time in the South Pacific during WorldWar 2. He will be cremated and interned between his mother and father at a grave in Greenwood Cemetery, Canton, Ill. on Monday, August 7, at 10 a.m.

A laser photo of Harold in full costume will be placed on the tombstone along side of the laser photo Harold had already placed there of his beloved dachshund dog, Tristan.

-Jackie LeClaire



Harold Ronk #17 (1957, 1960 - 1968, 1969 - 1972, 1974 - 1976, 1978 - 1980) - Ronk was the Ringmaster of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus in 1957 and from 1960-1968. When The Greatest Show On Earth began touring two separate units in 1969, Ronk joined the Blue Unit.

- From the Ringling website


Harold Ronk
Performer
My Romance [Original, Musical]
Performer: Harold Ronk [Other Guest]
Oct 19, 1948 - Jan 8, 1949

- From the Internet Broadway Database


"People generally recall Harold Ronk as expanding the role of the singing ringmaster; there were actually soloists singling with the circus band several decades before, but they did not serve a dual role as announcer. "

- Fred Dahlinger, CHS website



May Harold Ronk, the greatest Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus ringmaster of all time rest in peace in the Risen Lord Jesus for all eternity.

Those of us who remember him through the years with Ringling was a great person and always had a nice smile and always had the time to talk with many of us who were his admirers.

Thanks to Jackie LeClaire for sharing this news with us and for keeping in contact with Harold Ronk.

Let us remember him in our Prayers and in our daily Masses. God Bless Harold Ronk and may he live in peace forever in the arms of the Risen Lord with no more pain or sickenss.

Amen

- Bro. J. Francis Dolphin, M.M.Maryknoll Missioners Cochabamba, Bolivia