Community Mourns Passing Of Longtime Loxahatchee Groves Official Ron Jarriel

Longtime area resident and Loxahatchee Groves official Ron Jarriel died Friday, April 10.

Jarriel was married to wife Sharon Jarriel for 47 years. They chose to stay in Loxahatchee Groves and raise their family in the community. Their son, Ronnie Jarriel, is the fourth generation of Jarriels to live in the Loxahatchee Groves area.

Ron Jarriel spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a Vietnam War veteran. He served with Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, retiring after 31 years of service. In the Loxahatchee Groves community, he spent nine years on the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Supervisors before being elected to the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council in 2009. He served three terms, leaving the council in 2018.

The Professional Firefighters & Paramedics of Palm Beach County, Local 2928, released the following statement regarding Jarriel’s death:

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of retired Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue driver/operator Ron Jarriel. Jarriel began his career in the fire service in 1979 after serving our country in the United States Marine Corps. He began at Southwest Fire District #6, which was one of the original 10 fire districts that would later consolidate to form Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue. After his retirement, Jarriel continued to stay actively involved in Local 2928 and fire-related issues. He served on the Loxahatchee Water Control District board for three terms before becoming a Loxahatchee Groves councilman and vice mayor for three terms. Please keep the Jarriel family in your prayers during this difficult time.”

County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay released the following statement on social media:

“Please join me in wrapping arms around the Jarriel Family in prayers today. Ron was a hero for getting three men back on the rescue trucks and helping get Station 22 built. He meant the world to me.”