As a family member we are VERY proud of all that Ron has accomplished in his life, and always being Ron. Words can not express our feelings of sorrow in this loss to us and all, at this young age... May his memory live on, and it will, in celebrating his wonderful life. On behalf of the entire Tondi Family, here & in Italy we extend our most sincerest and deepest of sympathies.

I had the distinct pleasure to work with Ron on both ASTRO missions. Ron was a true professional, smart, and fun to work with. I am deeply saddened to hear of Ron's passing. To his family, my sincere sympathy. Just know that Ron will be greatly missed.

This is the second recent astronaut loss at a relatively young age to cancer. The other was Low at 52 from colon cancer. Two data points is certainly nowhere near enough to call it evidence, but it's enough to make me start to wonder about the possible longer term effects of spaceflight.

I had a chance to talk to Dr. Parise through the SAREX project on the STS-35/Astro 1 mission. It was a great thrill to me and I was touched by his interest in our studies even as he was studying the universe from orbit. His courage and dedication to exploration reflect great credit upon himself and our nation. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Kevin Williams

Ron was a wonderful down to earth man with a brilliant brain. I will never forget the times I got to sit and talk with him, his amazing pictures and his love of life. He will be missed.

Ron became a good friend when I taught him to scuba dive between his two ASTRO Spacelab flights. He was a gentle, truly humble man with an exceedingly sharp intellect. I was privileged to know him. My condolences to his family and the men and women of the Spacelab program who Ron always made proud.

Ron was brilliant and kind. We were so proud to have him as a member of the CSC family. He will be greatly missed.

Dr. Parise was my first space contact on Amateur Radio. I was very fortunate to meet him at the Dayton Hamvention. I presented him with an Honorary Membership in Space Hams International. He was an inspirational person who will be greatly missed. 73 to WA4SIR.

Hello...

This is very sad news. I grew up with Ron Parise in Warren, Ohio. He lived around the corner from me and as a school mate and friend, I'd often visit him and was wowed by his Ham radio installation in the basement of his parents home on Genesee.

Ron a I were in the Western Reserve High School marching band together. He play clarinet and sax. He was also in the jazz ensemble. Ron and I co-formed the school's Radio Club together. He and I also used to jam at my house, with me on Hammond organ, Ron on guitar and sax, and fellow band member Jack Weaver on drums. I still have recordings of us.

I used to frequent the Ma honing Valley Observatory where I remember Ron was building the 1st components and versions of his radio telescope and God knows what else that led to! I know he eventually became a missions astronaut and he made me, and the entire city of Warren, Ohio proud!

I remember Ron as a great friend, humble, good natured, always ready to laugh, studious, detailed, articulate and overall, he was open to all and a kind sharing person. When he graduated, I visited him at Youngstown State U. where he showed me a Heathkit computer we was working with... and that helped spark my own interests in computers.

In closing... I wish his family the deepest of sympathies and best wishes. I have always remembered Ron and he instilled a sense of pride in all of us who knew him. I was blessed by his friendship and his lasting inspirations unto this day.

Thank you Ron. I am so sorry it all had to end so young for you. But I know God will welcome you home with numerous honors. You made gave us all so much to be proud of.

With much love & memories to cherish,

Gary Thomas Boggess
19809 Deer Lake Rd.
Lutz, Florida 33548
813.909.2191
email: midiandsfx@aol.com
www.boggessmusicandsound.com

I had the honor and pleasure of working with Ron since 1999 on the OMNI project at NASA/GSFC and most recently in the design, construction, launch, and successful operation of the US Naval Academy MidSTAR-1 satellite. This morning (5/16/2008) at 1500 GMT the above comments and a collection of photos and other comments were uploaded to MidSTAR-1 to be a small orbiting memorial to Ron. We miss Ron greatly but we will remember all the good times we had.

Ron was my fellow classmate and band member at Warren Western Reserve High School. He was one of the nicest boys at the school and very intelligent. We sat next to each other in the band and he would talk about going up in space. Little did I know then that he would make his dreams a reality! I will always be in awe of Ron's ambition, even at such a young age, and how he continually moved himself ahead to accomplish his goals. He was, and continues to be, a true inspiration to me.

Thank you Ron for all that you gave to the World. Knowing you has been an honor.

May your spirit rest with the stars forever.

Janice Macchia Luoma

Although I never spoke with Ron in flight I had the privilege of speaking with him numerous times via Skype from his home.
Ron was a dedicated Amateur (Ham) Radio Operator always happy to assist and offer advice. A brilliant, kind man who will be sadly missed. Thanks for all you did for the world and our hobby Ron.

Tony Hutchison VK5ZAI
Kingston SE.
South Australia
Australian National ARISS Coordinator