Ronald L. Aylward

Ronald L. Aylward fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2025. Mr. Aylward was born in Saint Louis, MO on May 30, 1930, son of the late John T. and Edna (Ketcherside) Aylward. He was the beloved husband of Margaret (nee Hellweg) for 61 years; dear father of Susan (Randy) Jotte, Stephen Ronald (Ann) Aylward, and Carolyn (Scott) Dolan; loving grandfather of Christian and Anthony Jotte, Sean and William Dolan; dear brother of the late Gail Aylward Muegler; dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, friend to many. Mr. Aylward was raised in Dogtown, graduated from St. Louis University High School (1948), and received his AB and JD degrees (1954) from Washington University Law School, where he was on its Law Quarterly editorial board, President of the student body and Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, and one of the founders of the Catholic Student Newman Center. He served 3 ½ years as an Army Judge Advocate, serving mostly in Germany. Returning to private practice in St. Louis, Mr. Aylward was then appointed Asst. General Counsel, Olin Corporation in 1960. He became Asst. General Counsel of International Shoe Company (INTERCO INC.) in 1964 and retired in 1992, having advanced to Vice Chairman of its Board. As a corporate attorney, Mr. Aylward had the distinction of arguing and winning a major labor law case before the US Supreme Court. In 1992, he opened his own Mergers and Acquisitions firm, AYLWARD & ASSOCIATES, and served many clients until he again retired in 2003. Mr. Aylward was very active in many civic, religious, charitable, and business organizations: Chairman/President: National Foundation March of Dimes (St. Louis Chapter), Maryville University, DePaul Hospital Lay Board, Associated Industries of Missouri, Chaminade College Prep, United Way of Greater St. Louis, American Society of Corporate Secretaries, Catholic Charities of St. Louis Archdiocese, Annual Catholic Appeal for the Archdiocese for which he was awarded the Order of Saint Louis King, the highest Archdiocesan honor. He was a Board Member: Academy of the Visitation, American Apparel Manufacturers Assn., American National Red Cross, Better Business Bureau, Cardinal Ritter Institute, Linda Vista Montessori School, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital (Emeritus), St. Louis Council on World Affairs, YMCA of Greater St. Louis (Emeritus), St. Louis Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of St. Louis, US District Export Council, American Footwear Industries Assn., National Conference of Christians and Jews, Boatmen’s Bancshares, Inc, Boatmen’s National Bank of St. Louis, Bellerive Country Club, and member of the first Parish Board which established St. Anselm’s parish at the Priory. He was a Knight of Malta, a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre, and a member of the Serra Club of St. Louis. Above all, Mr. Aylward cherished his family and friends. He enjoyed tennis, golf, his investment clubs, any and all family gatherings, and family travels throughout the United States and Europe. Mr. Aylward led a life dedicated to faith, family, and friends. His beautiful smile and quick Irish wit will be missed! Services: Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Saint Anselm Parish, 530 S. Mason Road followed by the funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Internment will follow at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery/Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. Anselm Parish, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, or a charity of your choice.

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Ronald L. Aylward

May 30, 1930 - January 24, 2025