CMDA Mourns the Passing of Co-Founder Ronald Acho

CMDA Law is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ronald Acho, a co-founder of the firm and one of the most respected members of the metro Detroit and Michigan legal communities. Ron passed away at age 80 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Ron’s life was defined by determination, service, faith, and an unwavering devotion to family. Born Najah, he arrived in Detroit from Iraq as a child in 1949 and went on to live a remarkable American success story.

Ron graduated among the top three students in his class at Visitation High School in 1963. While there, he served on the student council and earned honorable mention All-Catholic League honors in both baseball and football. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Detroit in 1968 and later graduated magna cum laude from law school, accomplishing all of this while working full time at Ford and raising two young children with his wife.

In 1974, Ron joined Owen Cummings, Bernard McClorey, and Gerald Davis, becoming the “Acho” in Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho. Over the decades that followed, he helped build CMDA into one of Michigan’s most respected law firms and a nationally recognized leader in municipal defense.

Ron’s distinguished legal career brought him numerous honors and the admiration of generations of attorneys. He was equally committed to serving his country and community. A proud American, Ron served for six years in the U.S. Army Reserve. He also devoted his time and leadership to numerous charitable and community organizations, including Dollars for Scholars, New Creations Prison Outreach, and the Chaldean Community Foundation. Even after assuming an emeritus role with CMDA, he remained actively involved with the firm and the causes closest to his heart.

Above all, Ron was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and man of faith. His grandchildren were among his greatest joys, and he took enormous pride in mentoring them and celebrating their accomplishments. His deep Catholic faith guided his life, and he served several parishes within the Archdiocese of Detroit, including St. Scholastica, Our Lady of Sorrows, and Ste. Anne de Detroit.

Ron is survived by Rita, his beloved wife of 57 years, whom he met at the University of Detroit in 1967; his son and CMDA equity partner, Jim Acho; his daughter, Stephanie; his son, Greg; four grandchildren; five siblings; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

Ron’s influence on CMDA cannot be measured solely through the firm he helped build. His character, generosity, mentorship, and commitment to service shaped generations of attorneys and will remain part of the firm’s identity for years to come. The entire CMDA family extends its deepest condolences to Rita, Jim, Stephanie, Greg, and all those who knew and loved him.

Additional information will appear in forthcoming obituaries in The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press.

Viewing & Funeral Information:
https://www.heeney-sundquist.com/obituary/ronald-acho