Ronald "Ron" Specht

Ronald “Ron” Specht, 87, of Rock Island, formerly of Geneseo, passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.  A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  Reverend Terry Lancaster will officiate.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105-9959, and Rock Island County Humane Society (QC Paws), 4001 78th Avenue, Moline, IL, 61265.

Ron was born June 12, 1937, the son of George and Genevieve (Park) Specht, in Geneseo, IL.  He graduated from Geneseo High School, class of 1955.  Ron founded the renowned Jolly Roger nightclub which he owned and operated for 50 years.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, loved his cars, and especially adored his cat, Chelsey.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Bill (Robin) Specht of Coal Valley, IL, and Tony (Jenny) Specht of Sherrard, IL; grandchildren, Ella and Dakota Peterson, Greta Specht, Brock Swinburn, Kaine Finley, and Kayden Poling; great-granddaughter, Aila Peterson; and brother, Jim (Barb) Specht of Geneseo.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, George and Genevieve Specht; his loving wife, Susi Specht; and sister, Janet Fassett.