Ronald F. Emery, 90, of Deltona, Florida died Tuesday, September 18, at Florida Hospital, Deland, following a brief illness. Born October 10, 1927, in Peru, Maine, he was the son of J.B. and Nina (Shortridge) Emery.
Following graduation from Stevens High School in 1945, in Rumford, Maine, he enlisted in the Army where he served as a surgical technician. He married Claudia Averill of Dixfield, Maine, and was self-employed for many years as a logging contractor, employing as well as mentoring many men in his business. A loving father, he enjoyed helping other people, hunting, and building logging roads as well as his own home. An active church member, a selectman and volunteer fire fighter for the town of Peru for many years, he was well-liked in the community. He loved engaging people with his story-telling and sense of humor.
Later in life he married Jean Kidder. Upon moving to Florida, he was employed as director of public works in two cities and during his retirement as a real estate broker.
He is survived by his four children: Paula Emery of Lyme, CT, Ronald Emery Jr. and his wife Mary, from Debary, FL, John Emery and his wife Cindy, from Allenstown, NH, and Rosanne Palumbo and her husband Timothy, from Oxford, MA, 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, 3 siblings, and wives.
The family would like to thank the residents and staff at the Alliance Community for their friendship and loving care of him during his final years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alliance Community for Retirement Living, Deland, FL.