WATERVILLE – It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we share the loss of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Ronald Joseph Rossignol. Ronald peacefully joined his Lord and Savior on Dec. 21, 2023, at Lakewood Nursing home with family by his side.

Ron was born in Waterville on March 10, 1932, the 13th child out of 14 to Octave and Helen (Landry) Rossignol. He often told his children that being the baby boy meant no new spoils and was happy to receive things passed down by his siblings. He attended The Brother’s School in Waterville and in 1951 graduated from Waterville High School where he lettered in football. Coming from a large family, Ron and his siblings helped to support, he was extremely proud to have stayed in school to completion. Post graduation and during the Korean War, he enlisted in the Air Force. He loved his country and was proud to have served during war time. He later was honorably discharged due to a medical condition and as a disabled veteran remained dedicated.

Family and friends knew him by many nicknames: Ronnie, Ron, Rosie, Uncle Diddy, and Mustache. Ron married the love of his life, Shirley Marie Hebert, on June 16, 1956, at St. Francis De Sales Church in Waterville. A piece of granite from the church during its demolition was engraved with their names, wedding date, and interlocking wedding rings was presented to them during an anniversary celebrating 67 years of marriage and being the proud parents of five children.

His happy moments were taking road trips, going to Harpswell to an ocean front home, and breakfast on Fridays with his youngest daughter. His infectious smile and pocket full of jokes put him at the top of his game as a salesman. Always dressing sharply for work at W.T. Grant and Levine’s, his sparkling personality could sell you the 2 Cent Bridge. After 22 years of service, Ron retired from the Waterville Post Office where he kept employees in stitches with his antics. He loved working on carpentry projects at their home at Edgemont Avenue where he took such pride in ownership and created many beautiful masterpieces. He always planted a garden, and we all enjoyed the produce of his skilled hands.

Back in the day Ron loved to bowl in many leagues. With his doubles partner, they captured the city double championship. He also was an avid fisherman and spent numerous hours in the woods hunting with his son and friends. He was always up for a game of horseshoes or cribbage. But his favorite pastime was the game of golf where he won club championships at MCI in Pittsfield and Cedar Springs in Albion. People gravitated to Ron like he was a celebrity, and he had a host of friends all over the country. Ron was honored to recite and be known as “The Man in the Glass” at AA meetings. He used his own life lessons to give back to those who were struggling and this past September at a meeting celebrated 35 years of sobriety. He was a proud parishioner of Sacred Heart Church where he served as a Eucharistic minister during masses and distributing at homes of the ill. Ron enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics. He loved going to breakfast with the “Boys” on Saturday mornings, especially with his best friend Bobby. For a quiet time, Ron enjoyed sitting at his keyboard to play his favorite songs. Well-known to whistle a tune or use his skill to garner up his children at sunset… we’re all certain he whistled his way Home. We love you Dad.

Other than his parents, Ron was predeceased by all his siblings, Emily (Harold) Buzzell, Oram (Cecile) Rossignol, Roland, Irene (Roland) Couture, Lorraine (Raymond) Gagnon, Frederick “Louis”, Alfreda (Fernand) Veilleux, Rose (Norman) Grenier, Noella Rossignol, Jerome (Marjorie), Madeline (Robert) Mattall, Harold and Jacqueline Rossignol; many nieces and nephews; and his great-grandson Liam.

Ron is survived by his loving wife Shirley; children Royce (Diane) Rossignol, Rhea (Robert Colford) Hunt, Rhonda (Michael) Boyett, Renee Dunphe, and Ryan (Lisa); sister-in-law Joyce Dall Rossignol; many nieces and nephews; 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lakewood, especially Krista, Sean, Heather, Brandon, and Connie. Special thanks to the Hospice team of Sue, Kathy, Erica, Nicole, and Social Worker Sherry. Heart felt thanks to Dan and Scott’s for their compassion and dedication. Last but not forgotten was all the love shown by Dana Lewis, our dad’s nurse at home before he was placed at Lakewood. Dad really thought the world of her, and Mom said she was like a daughter. Thank you, Dana, you are an asset to the community.

Services and burial will occur in June, details be announced at a later time.

Please visit Ron’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/ronald-rossignol where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

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