Remembering Ron Acho

Ron and Rita with their children.

Ron Acho, one of Michigan's most respected trial attorneys, passed away on August 18 at age 80, survived by his wife, Rita; children Jim, Stephanie, and Greg; and several grandchildren. Service details will be announced in the coming days.

Ron was a wonderful representative of, and advocate for, the Chaldean American community here in Michigan. One of the first in the community to graduate law school, Ron fought hard for the underdog and was relentless in his pursuit of justice.

He was born in Baghdad in 1945, spent his early years in Tel Kaif, and immigrated to the US as a child who spoke neither English nor Arabic. He said he didn’t speak in class the first two years of school in America. Short, skinny, and silent, he didn't seem destined for a courtroom; yet he went on to become a partner in the law firm Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho, P.L.C.

Ron’s story—a silent boy who became a relentless advocate—is one we’ll tell more fully in our September issue, alongside reflections from those who knew him best.