Gerald Arthur Ronkin

A devoted husband of 59 years to Harriet Ronkin (Yaffee), formerly of Wellesley, and a beloved father to Gary S. Ronkin and his wife Lori of Sharon; Steven M. Ronkin of Watertown; and Sharon M. Ronkin of Malden. He was also an amazing grandfather to Sydney Rose and Lacey Rae Ronkin both of Sharon. He was brother to Theodore Ronkin and his wife Sharon of Stoughton; Charles Ronkin and his wife Gail and the late Stuart Ronkin, formerly of Randolph, plus many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Gerry, the oldest of four boys, grew up in Dorchester. He was the son of the late Gertrude Ronkin (Plotkin) and the late Sidney Ronkin. He graduated from Roxbury Memorial High School in 1960, Northeastern University in 1965, and Suffolk Law School in 1968. He Married Harriet Yaffee from Wellesley in 1964 and moved to Peabody in 1969. He drove a cab through law school and dreamed of being an entrepreneur. In 1981, he opened Billy Boy Carpets in Reading fulfilling that dream. He then took on the position of controller/treasurer for the Edwin R. Sage Company. He retired from Sage in 2007. Always needing to stay busy, he continued doing the books for private clients until his health forced him to stop.

Gerry was an avid sports fan. If the Bruins, Patriots, Celtics or Red Sox were on TV, it was a family event that always included lots of yelling and cheering. He had Patriots season tickets for 18 years with his son Steven. They tailgated every home game no matter the weather or standing of the team. An experience he cherished and talked about often. He also shared season tickets for the Bruins beginning in 1976 until his son Gary took them over. He also loved golf even though he wasn’t very good at it. He would join his wife Harriet, an avid golfer, or friends on the course whenever he had the chance.

He also loved music and was an avid reader. He would listen to anything from Def Leppard and The Who to Yanni & the London Symphony Orchestra. He loved Ludlum’s spy novels, Civil War History books, biographies and Harry Potter.

Gerry was a devoted family man whose unwavering love and commitment to his loved ones defined the essence of his life. The cherished tradition of gathering around the dinner table every night at 6:30 became a sacred ritual; a time when laughter, love, and stories were shared. His tireless dedication knew no bounds, never too exhausted to engage in lively play with the children, and always present, cheering passionately from the sidelines at every sporting event. He cooked breakfast for everyone on the weekends and was ‘famous’ for his eggs with salami and french toast. He embodied the very essence of a good father – always present, reliable, and ever-ready to lend a supportive hand when needed. His good fortune in life can all be tied to his wife Harriet of 59 years. He always said marrying her was the best decision that he ever made. He often joked that he learned early on the phrase “yes dear” was the key to their successful marriage. Gerry’s legacy is that of a great husband, a dedicated family man and a loyal friend to all.

Funeral Service to be held at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington Street, Canton, on Sunday Nov 12, 2023 at 10 AM. Burial will follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon.

Shiva and a celebration of life will be held at Gary & Lori’s home in Sharon, MA on Sunday, November 12, 2023 from 5pm-8pm and again at Harriet & Gerry’s home in Peabody on Monday, November 13, 2023 from 4pm to 8pm.