Ronald M. Szpila

Ronald M. Szpila

Montague, MA -

Ronald Martin Szpila of Montague Massachusetts, died unexpectedly on February 15, 2026. Born in Adams MA, to Julian and Lucille Szpila, he was the oldest of 5 children. He married his childhood friend, Annette St. Hilaire, 56 years ago. They enjoyed taking on big projects and adventures together. His love for her and the family they built was his highest purpose and where he found his greatest joys.

Ron was an electronics engineer and life long educator both in and outside the classroom. He rarely missed a moment to point out the small wonders of the world to those around him. Ron loved rock music, Harley Davidson motorcycles, chickens, photography, traveling the world, and entertaining many friends - he loved the stage. He loved being outdoors and was in his "happy place" when working on the lawn, cutting down trees and moving rocks. Ron loved talking with strangers and, though he stumbled sometimes, was always trying to brighten their day. He also reveled in the telling, and retelling, of a good family story. It did not matter to him that the details changed over time. Ron was a loving father to Michelle and Robert. He was deeply devoted to his 9 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and embraced his role as Dziadziu. At 79 years old, the challenges of aging weighed heavy on Ron. The world is a duller place without him.

He leaves behind his wife, Annette Szpila; sisters, Cynthia Daunais-Lawrence, Jeanne Millette, and brother Steven; children, Michelle Wright and Robert Szpila; grandchildren, Annie Bright, Emily Wright, Ryan Szpila, John Peter Wright, Thomas Szpila, Lucy Szpila, Elizabeth Wright, Sarah Wright and Grace Szpila; great grandchildren, Emil Bright and Simona Bright. He is predeceased by Denise Desanty.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday 2/28 at 10am at Our Lady of Peace Church, 90 Seventh Street, Turners Falls. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

Calling hours will be held Friday evening 2/27 from 5pm-7:30pm at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 1 Kostanski Square, Turners Falls.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Montague Center Fire Department Association, 28 Old Sunderland Rd., Montague, MA 01351 or the Montague Police Association, 180 Turnpike Rd., Montague, MA 01351.

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.