Ronald Joe Acierni

Ronald “Joe” Joseph Acierni, Jr., 58, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 16, 2026, following a courageous battle with Glioblastoma.

Born on July 15, 1967 in Alliance, Ohio, Joe was the beloved son of Joyce Acierni and the late Ronald J. Acierni, Sr. He attended school in Alliance, Ohio, graduating from Marlington High School where he formed lifelong friendships and accumulated countless fond memories. Following high school, Joe proudly joined the U.S. Navy where he studied and worked in naval aviation at Pt. Magu, California; a journey that ultimately led him to Waco, Texas. He went on to dedicate over three decades of hard work and loyalty to L3Harris. On September 5, 1995 he married the love of his life, Tamra L. Kay. Together, they built a beautiful life grounded in love and family.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend whose incredible strength, humor, and warmth touched everyone who knew him. Even when faced with the immense challenges of his illness, he met each day with unwavering determination to live life to its absolute fullest. Above all else, Joe cherished time spent with the people he loved. Whether he was deep in the woods hunting at sunrise or sitting in the stands proudly cheering on his son at baseball games, these moments brought him his greatest joy.

He leaves behind a family that adored him and a wide circle of friends who will deeply miss his presence, his stories, and his infectious laughter.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Tamra Acierni of Waco; his son, Andrew Acierni of Waco; his mother, Joyce Acierni of Milford, Ohio; his sister, Stacey Ciraci and her husband Sam of Loveland, Ohio; his sister, Christine Ware of Milford, Ohio; and his brother, Brian Acierni of Loveland, Ohio.

He is also survived by his uncle, Dale H. Newton (Butch) of Louisville, Ohio-his lifelong idol who instilled in him a deep passion for planes and flying, having Joe up in the air before the age of three. Additionally, he leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and the Baylor Scott & White Health (BSWH) Hospice team, who provided such compassionate care and unwavering support throughout Joe’s journey.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30th at 1:00 PM at OakCrest Funeral Home in Waco, Texas.

Though his battle has ended, his love remains with us always.