Ronald "Ron" David Pingenot

In Loving Memory of Ron Pingenot

It is with great sadness that we say farewell to Ronald (Ron) David Pingenot, who passed away on April 24, 2025, at the age of 82. Ron was the son of Harold and Martha Pingenot (née Clark), and brother to John Pingenot. He was the beloved husband, business partner, and best friend to Cheryl Pingenot (née Polidori), cherished father to Jason Pingenot and daughter-in-law Hillary Smith, and proud grandfather of Remy Pingenot.

Ron was born on April 16, 1943, in Denver, Colorado, and grew up in the suburbs of Golden and Lakewood. He attended Alameda High School and went on to graduate from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. An athlete and a scholar, Ron spent much of his youth exploring Colorado’s mountains and wilderness, often returning home with “rocks in his pockets,” as his mother fondly recalled.

In the 1960s, Ron worked as a polymer chemist in the research and development division at Gates Rubber Company, where he helped develop many innovative products. After leaving Gates, he followed his entrepreneurial spirit by starting an epoxy company, but he soon chose to follow his true passion in rocks and minerals, fine gems, and jewelry by focusing his career on the gem business.

During this time, Ron met the love of his life, Cheryl Polidori. After a whirlwind courtship of just two months, they were married in 1973—and remained devoted partners for 52 years, to the very day of his passing.

Together, Ron and Cheryl owned and operated several jewelry stores in the Denver area, including Tejon Gallery (North Denver), Tavernier Jewelry (Cherry Creek, Sedona AZ and Lakewood), and later International Collectible Exchange in collaboration with Cheryl’s father, Augie Polidori. Through the course of his life, Ron became known as one of the world’s preeminent lapidary experts, and he generously taught his craft to many others who shared his passion.

Although he was usually seen in a casual Hawaiian shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes, Ron had a deep appreciation for the finer things in life. He spent five decades traveling the world with Cheryl and Jason in search of fine gems and minerals, fine wine, fine food, and fine people. Present, attentive, generous, and utterly without guile, Ron made everyone around him feel like his best friend—and he genuinely felt the same in return.

Those who had the pleasure of knowing Ron will forever remember him as a brilliant scientist, a gifted gem cutter, and an exceptional chef. But above all, he will be remembered for his honesty, generosity, kindness, zest for life, and profound love for those closest to him.

He will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held in Lakewood, Colorado, on June 9, 2025.