James W. Ronan, 85, of Hopedale MA, died peacefully Friday evening (March 14, 2014) at his home
    with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife Eleanor M. (Heron) Ronan and his six children:
    Mark "Rob" Ronan and his wife JoAnn of Lake Orion MI, Cindi (Ronan) Bishop and her husband Joe of
    Mendon, Tracy Ronan of Medfield , Jackie (Ronan) Bailey and her husband Rob of Bellingham, Judy
    Ronan of Boston and Alison (Ronan) Johnson and her husband Scott of Framingham; seven
    grandchildren: Matthew and Patrick Ronan, Britt (Bishop) Kahler and Brandon Bishop, Emma and
    Abbey Johnson, Jillian Bailey and one great-granddaughter Ronan Rae Kahler. He is also survived by
    his brother John and his wife Nancy of Braintree and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother
    of the late Donald Ronan of Boston. Jim was born in Boston, the son of the late John C. and the late
    Josephine (Dunn) Ronan. He was a graduate of Boston English High School, Class of 1946. He
    enlisted in the US Army upon graduation from high school, serving stateside for two years in the 101st
    Airborne Division as a paratrooper. He was a graduate of Boston College, Class of 1952 and later
    earned an MBA from Clark University in 1974. He was employed for 25 years at the former Draper
    Corporation in Hopedale, working as a Quality Control Manager. Later he held the position of Vice
    President of Manufacturing at Pneumatic Scale Corporation in Quincy. Jim was a resident of Hopedale
    for most of his adult life where he was active in the community, serving as a member of the Planning
    Board for over 20 years and Chairman of the Hopedale Combined Charities for several years. Jim
    loved competing in sports. He often shared stories of playing baseball in the Boston Parks League.
    For many years, he played in the men's basketball league at Draper Gym where he earned a
    reputation as a "bruiser under the boards". Jim was an avid golfer and a longtime member of the
    Hopedale Country Club. When not on the golf course, he could be found on the patio overlooking the
    9th hole, watching and encouraging family and friends. Jim's dedication to lifelong learning was an
    inspiration to all who knew him. He spent many hours in the local library pursuing his diverse
    interests. Recently, Jim shared a collection of his poems with family and close friends that will be
    treasured for years to come. Along with writing poetry, listening to music was another one of his
    favorite hobbies. Although he loved all kinds, classical music was his passion. He also enjoyed
    spending time at the Cape and could often be found sitting on his favorite bench at a beach his family
    lovingly came to call "Dad's Beach". His family and friends especially enjoyed his humor, particularly
    his witty one-liners. Later in life, he found joy teaching his grandchildren to read and guiding them in
    their many pursuits. He will be remembered as a loyal friend, a patient teacher and a dedicated
    grandfather. Relatives & friends are invited to extend condolences to his family on Saturday (March
    22nd) from 10am to 12 NOON at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford
    MA. Burial services will be private. Visit www.edwardsmemorialfuneralhome.com for condolence book.
    Memorial donations may be made to The Cancer Care Fund @ MRMC, c/o Milford Regional Medical
    Center, 14 Prospect Street, Milford MA 01757.

    Published in Milford Daily News from Mar. 16 to Mar. 17, 2014
     
                                                                 
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