Dr. Ronald Michael Greely

Dr. Ronald Michael Greely June 20, 1935 – February 1, 2026

Dr. Ronald Michael Greely, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected anesthesiologist, passed away peacefully at home in Northridge, California on February 1, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 90.

Born in New York City on June 20, 1935, as Ronald Greenberg, he was the son of Jewish immigrants Harry and Rose. As an infant, he moved with his family to Boyle Heights, where he was raised in a close-knit Jewish community that emphasized education, decency, and family—values that guided him throughout his life. During his high school years, the family name was changed from Greenberg to Greely in response to antisemitism, an experience that stayed with him even as he remained proud of his heritage and traditions.

A gifted athlete, he played football and ran track at Los Angeles High School and later became an accomplished skier whose graceful form was displayed on countless family trips. He also played violin in the school orchestra and maintained a lifelong love of music.

Dr. Greely began his studies at UCLA as a premed student, graduated from Loyola Marymount University, and earned his medical degree from the University of California, Irvine. He built a long and respected career as an anesthesiologist, known for his dedication, compassion, and dry sense of humor—qualities that endeared him to colleagues and patients alike.

On a sunny day at Will Rogers State Beach, he met the love of his life, Susan Appleby. They married when she was just 18 years old and went on to share nearly 70 years together. In 1965, they settled into their home in the San Fernando Valley, where they raised their three sons—Eric, Adam and Craig--and created a warm, lively household filled with memories of backyard play, pool days, national park adventures, beach outings, and ski trips.

One of Dr. Greely’s greatest joys was introducing his sons to ice hockey, a passion that became a defining part of family life and has since been passed down to the next generation.

Though he had few formal hobbies, he had many interests: cars, country music, the American West, art, live theater, and especially reading. He was a voracious reader with a remarkable memory, particularly drawn to books on history and the military. He was patriotic and deeply loved his country. His lifelong affection for animals, sparked by a childhood collie, led him to support animal charities throughout his life.

In his later years, nothing meant more to him than his six grandchildren—Cameron, Ethan, Clementine, Dashiell, Dalton, and Granger—each of whom he adored and took great pride in.

Dr. Greely is survived by his wife Susan; his sons Eric, Adam, and Craig; his daughters‑in‑law Robin, Natalie, and Suzanne; and his six grandchildren, and his step-granddaughter Courtney. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Jan Amsterdam and her husband Dr. Benjuamin Amsterdam. Dr. Greely Was be laid to rest beside them at Hillside Memorial in Culver City, CA following a moving service on February 6, 2026.

He will be remembered as a strong, principled, loving man—a role model whose example continues to guide his family. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the patients he helped, the memories he created, and the generations who loved him.