Ronald Vaughn Metzger

Ronald Vaugh Metzger, “Pat Riley”, passed away on May 13th , 2023 at the
age of 79 while taking a nap on his daughter’s shoulder. He showed great courage
during his battle with dementia and continued to brighten any room with his
smile and loving heart.

Ron was born in Toledo, Ohio to Opal Ziegler and Merrill Metzger Senior.
He is survived by his sister, Sharon, and his daughter, Nicole. Ron also had a sister,
Sandy and a brother, Merrill Junior. He moved many times while his father
worked for the railroad. He returned to Toledo and graduated from Rodgers High
School. He studied communications in college and joined the Marines. After
fighting in Vietnam, he moved to southern California and married the love of his
life, Linda Berry. He got his first “dream” job as a disc jockey in 1969 at KJLH in
Long Beach. Ron and Linda had their daughter, Nicole in 1972 and together, their
small and close family moved from southern California to Oregon, Florida,
Toronto, Texas, Missouri, Indiana and then settled in Citrus Heights, California.
Ron, “Pat Riley”, did the morning show for KROY and was well known and loved
by the Sacramento area for his charismatic and magnetic personality. He
transitioned to radio advertising and sales before retiring.
Ron enjoyed traveling with family and friends, playing water ball in the pool
and watching his grandson, Jayden, play sports.

A celebration of life was held on June 3 rd and he will rest in the Dixon
Veteran’s National Cemetery for his honorable service in the Marines.