OBITUARY
John M Ronan
2 April, 1962 – 25 October, 2020
John Michael Ronan, 58, died unexpectedly on October 25, 2020 at Rumford Community Hospital in Rumford, ME.
John was born in Rumford to John R "Jack" Ronan and Theresa (Boudreaux) Ronan on April 2,1962. He had fond memories of growing up on Penobscot Street and spending time at the family camp on Worthley Pond in Peru. John graduated from Rumford High School and studied accounting at Husson University in Bangor, ME. Soon after departing from campus, John started his own company: John M. Ronan Professional Painting and Drywall. It was in his trade that John found his rhythym and his peace. He was born to mud walls and was a master at his craft.
If there were to be one word to sum up a life, John's word would be HEART. He put his into everything that held meaning for him: his children, his fiancee, his work, Home Depot, his trucks. He would give of himself until there was nothing left to give and then give a little bit more. John never met a stranger. He was a friend to all he knew. He had an infectious smile that flashed without reserve, a kind and cheerful 'Hey, there!" that brightened your day, and a slightly botched punchline to every joke he told. John had a close personal relationship with God and he turned to Him often to lighten his load when the outside world became more than he could stand. He was passionate about politics and would give his full effort to help you see things his way. He loved the ocean and would often be found there telling anyone who was near how beautiful it was. He loved to eat. He really, really loved to eat. John was adamant a meal wasn't complete without dessert and dessert should be shared with the ones you love. He carried treats in his pocket for every dog that greeted him. He let a cat move in because it wanted to. He made peanut butter toast for the squirrels beneath his deck. John was kind. He was good. He was boundlessly loved. And he will be forever deeply and profoundly missed. He was heart. And without him, our hearts will never be the same.
John is survived by his fiancee, Lori Bretz of Peru; his son Joshua Ronan and wife Kassi of Auburn; his daughter Jeana Ronan of Rumford, his son Noah Ronan of Rumford, his brother Dennis Ronan and wife Kathleen of Auburn, his brother Linwood Ronan and wife Jackie of Rumford, his sister Pamela Jacobs of Augusta, and many nieces and nephews. He had a special bond with his niece April Benedix-Pinard of Livermore. He was also the very proud grandpa of Sloane Ronan and her much anticipated baby sister.
John was predeceased by his parents, his sister Ellen Benedix of Livermore, and his beloved dogs Lady and Cubby.
We would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: Greater Androscoggin Humane Society.
DONATIONS
- Greater Androscoggin Humane Society
Services
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Celebration of Life
Friday, 6 November , 2020
Memories
John M Ronan
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYTom Hoyt
December 5, 2020
I am so SORRY to have a great friend go so fast. I am SHOCKED John died last month. John was a very Happy - Go - Lucky man that waved to me & many people when we saw each other. John was a Jolly person & a Incredible worker. I will miss him working on many buildings he always painted. I will miss him for a long time to come.
Nichole Richard
November 4, 2020
So very sorry to hear about John's passing. I've been serving him for 7 years at dollar tree, he was a very nice guy with a great sense of humor. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends.
andrew gerrier
November 4, 2020
Linwood and family I am so sorry on your loss , still can't believe it.
Louanne Thibodeau
November 4, 2020
We send our sympathy to the Ronan family, John was a wonderful, gentle, caring, supportive, loving man! He loved his children, more than ever and was so proud of them. He helped my family, my mom, and all the neighbors of the Virginia group. He will sadly be missed by all, including all the pets he loved.
Michael ronan
November 1, 2020
John spent his last month on earth, at my home. I fell I was special, I guess. Because I felt his love of life ! He would tell me many things because he was open, kind , and open! He had a heart that could fill the Grand Canyon. I will miss that guy! Sometimes we would butt heads! But it wouldn’t last ten minutes! John left a hole in the world witch can’t be filled! He will be missed at our family’s outing which he was always there! I’m very sorry for John’s Family, his children that ment the most to John! There’s a hole in the world to knight!
Sean Ronan
November 1, 2020
I would first like to start out by saying John I love you ! I can’t imagine this life without you in it. I always enjoyed receiving phone calls from you it always made my day to hear your voice and for you to call me Shawnee boy... sometimes we would talk for hours .. you always showed Your Concerns with my immediate family my children call you uncle John because it seemed as though we where brother ‘s not cousins we shared so much joy . . Our conversations where endless our childhood memories of us and our adventures in life .although I didn’t get to say good bye to you and I only wish that had been in the story . I will never forget your handsome smile your wisdom that helped me through my challenges you were always there for me and me for you in happy and sad moments in our lives . You helped me through devastation in my life you always had my back and I had yours . I was alway proud to had called you my first cousin it’s going to take some time for me to get over this tragedy of your death part of me has died with you John . Someday I’ll see you agin . We can ride our bikes together play the games we use to play on Penobscot street joyous memories of you that I will never ever forget. For know John I have to say So long ... until we meet agin John Michael Ronan ... I will remember this happy Cruise that we took to Bermuda together with our boys it will be a long cherished memory that I will never ever forget. I love you ... John ❤️
Julie Steward
November 1, 2020
John, you are truly missed. The dogs at Sissy's want you to know that they will miss your visits, laughter and gentle pats to the head! I have known you for years and have called you friend and will always be grateful for that. I will always think of you when I look at my shop or one of your favorite dogs . You will always be in our hearts . Prayers for your family❤️
Sue Cassidy
November 1, 2020
I remember John from high school; he was soft-spoken, respectful, and quick with a smile. He helped people feel valued and welcome. The outpouring of support is a testiment to what
he meant to anyone who met him.
To his family, please know that we share your profound pain of John's untimely passing.
Rachel Auger
November 1, 2020
Linwood, Dennis & Pam
John was a good friend of all my family. I enjoyed watching him grow up and he will be greatly missed.
Sincerely
Rachel Auger
Karen MacDonald - Simpson
October 31, 2020
John and I were in the same kindergarten class at Bisbee school. Our paths never crossed again. Rest in peace, dear little classmate.
Sincerely,
Karen MacDonald-Simpson
Margaret Collette
October 30, 2020
Deepest condolences and sympathies to the Ronan family and all those who loved him... My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you all.. May he Rest in Eternal Peace and Love Surrounded by all those who have passed before him. God Bless John~
Laurie Mckenna
October 29, 2020
So very sad to hear about my friend John. My deepest Condolences to his children and his family. I have known John most of my life and have shared many laughs and great times with him and Sean. John was a good kind man, he will be dearly missed.
Eddie Paterson
October 29, 2020
Hello Ronan Family, please except my condolences for the passing of John. As were most, I was quite surprised when I heard the news. John was a Rumford boy and always will be one of the guys. No words can express the loss of a loved one, but I hope you all can come together as a family and grieve and remember the close love that you all have shared throughout the years. I will always remember John's smiling face, his energy and the casual nature in speaking with him as a boy, young and mature man. He always had that innocence about him. Treasure the memories in your heart. May it comfort you all and help you smile throughout your lives. God Bless.
Brenda Day
October 28, 2020
So sorry to hear about this. John was a fellow classmate. Used to hang out with his sister Pam at Joey Ryan's house. My condolences to the family.
Mark Glover
October 28, 2020
Growing up I always remember John in my life a good person that would literally give people the shirt off his back. My memories of John are many, but one that sticks is I used to go old Stephens High school to play pick up basketball, used to sit there waiting to get pulled into at and John would be there, not to play basketball. Just to watch and talk to. Great person to talk with, he made it easy to talk with him. Great person and beautiful soul. Sad times for all family, friends and people like me that John left lasting impression on.
steve ronan
October 28, 2020
John you will be missed by all ,your smile your laugh .I always loved it when you would visit my father, and get him wound up.You were agood friend and cousin and i will miss you until we meet again may you r i p your cuz steve
Tannu Rashid-Sherwani
October 28, 2020
Sending my deepest sympathies to the Ronan family. We lived across the street during my childhood and had lots of fun with my childhood friend Pam. May God give strength to your family and may John rest in eternal peace.
beverly soucy
October 28, 2020
I’m real sad to hear about this.
From my family to yours, we are wishing you peace in the days and weeks ahead!
John and I have been friends since we were kids.
I have so many funny memories and stories with him. We were the neighbor kids. I think we are always going to be the neighborhood kids no matter how old we get!
When I first moved home he was one of the first friends I got to hang out with.
Handsome and funny and exactly the same person he was when we were young!
The best we can all hope for is to be remembered and I am here this morning to tell you that he will be remembered by me, forever.
Cheers to his life and to the many memories.
I’m just so sorry.
Gloria & Roland Patneaude
October 27, 2020
Our Deepest Sympathy to all Family and Friends. He was very friendly to everyone and he will be sadly missed he used to come and get a whole handful of puff mints at the garage said that it was his favorite. So sadly miss may he RIP my friend.
Louise Jonaitis
October 27, 2020
John as I knew him in childhood was one of the many wonderful neighborhood kids that made growing up in Rumford so special. A childhood friend of my brothers.
As an adult I knew him to be an industrious businessman—so hard-working and competent. I had just spoken with him a week ago about an estimate for a spring painting project. We talked about Rumford, Penobscot Street, the unforgettable days of hanging out on the corners along Maine Avenue, Essex, Franklin.
We complained about politics and then laughed about it. We agreed that there were no better days than the days that our generation had growing up in Rumford. John and all the Ronan’s are memories of good days had. A good soul now on another journey.
Sorry for such a very big loss to the family.
John Auger
October 26, 2020
Linwood, Dennis, and Pam,
John was a wonderful soul. I have many memories growing up in the Penobscot Street neighborhood and the visits to your family camp on Worthley Pond. All I can say is that we had a great time.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your brother, a very special understanding and caring person. Will keep you guys in my heart and prayers
John Auger
Tammy Gallant
October 26, 2020
I will forever remember seeing John come into Sherwin Willams and the conversations he would have with Larry. I know that they will meet up along that heavenly path to continue those conversations. 😇 Sending my thoughts and prayers to family and big hugs to Jeana & Noah. ❤️🙏🏻
Tammy Gallant
Jennifer Auger-Mazzaro
October 26, 2020
I am so sad to hear of Johns passing. We were neighbors growing up in Rumford and we would all play together either in our backyard or theirs sledding, skiing, or building snow castles. We always had fun and it was special growing up with such great kids My sympathies to the family. Jen