Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Ronald Bouchard Obituary
of Fitchburg, championship race driver; prominent automobile dealer; 67
FITCHBURG -- Ronald R. "Ron" Bouchard, known nationally as a championship race driver and regionally as a prominent automobile dealer, died Friday, Dec. 10 in Boston, after a long illness. He was a lifelong resident of Fitchburg.
Born Nov. 23, 1948 to Lorraine H. Bouchard and the late Robert H. Bouchard, Ron was the 1981 National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 32 years, Paula Flemke Bouchard; son, Gene Bouchard and his wife, Annette Lussier Bouchard; son, Robert Bouchard and his wife, Kimberly Bouchard; daughter, Michelle Bouchard; daughter, Tracey Bouchard DiNardo and her husband, Alphonse DiNardo; and son, Chad Bouchard and his girlfriend, Casey McCaig. Ron also leaves sister, JoAnn Bouchard Bergeron and her husband, Robert Bergeron; brother, Kenneth Bouchard; grandchildren, Joshua Bouchard, Katherine Bouchard, Timothy Bouchard, Emily Bouchard, and Anthony DiNardo; nieces, Courtney Bergeron Spacht, Olivia Bouchard, and Jordan Bowen; nephew, Kenneth Bowen Jr.; and brothers-in-law, Edward Flemke and Kenneth Bowen.
After attending Fitchburg High School in Fitchburg, Ron worked for his father's Red & White Moving Company and spent his weekends developing into one of New England's most decorated racing talents. In Massachusetts, he was a five-time champion at Seekonk Speedway (1968, '69, '70, '71, '78), and the 1975 champion at Westboro Speedway; in Connecticut, he was champion at Stafford Motor Speedway in 1973 and 1979, and the 1978 Thompson Speedway champion. His enthusiasm for the sport and his easy, welcoming personality made him popular with both fans and competitors.
In 1981, Ron jumped to the national NASCAR Cup series, and in just his eleventh start captured the Talladega 500 at the Alabama International Motor Speedway. In addition to that season's Rookie of the Year honors, his six seasons in America's premier racing series netted 19 top-five finishes, 60 top-tens, and three pole positions. His local and national accomplishments led to induction into the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame and the Eastern Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame.
In 1987, Bouchard surprised many by abruptly retiring from racing to turn his attention to a growing automobile business. The previous year he had opened The Honda Store in Fitchburg, the flagship of what is now Ron Bouchard's Auto Stores, a multi-brand enterprise with Massachusetts locations in Fitchburg, Lancaster, and Auburn, as well as Gallatin, Tennessee. As in racing, his natural people skills served him well in the auto business, where employees and customers came to know the winning Bouchard smile.
In 2015, Ron and Paula opened the RB Racing Museum in Fitchburg.
BOUCHARD -- A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 15th at St. Joseph Church, 49 Woodland St. in Fitchburg. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, 486 Clarendon St., in Fitchburg. Calling hours will be held on Monday, December 14th, from 4:00-9:00 p.m. at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd. in Fitchburg. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215-5450, dana-farber.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Bouchard
Bob Brooks
January 8, 2016
My condolences to my racing buddy Ron's family....Babbling Brooks
Vlad
December 29, 2015
Ron,
You were always a champion even when you didn't win.
Bootleg Branchaud
December 20, 2015
R.I.P Ron was a pleasure chatting with you during your vintage racer car shows which you sponsored at your Fitchburg dealership
Karen Wheeler
December 19, 2015
Sorry for the loss of one of my classmates. You will be missed
Mitchell Kolaczenko
December 17, 2015
Iam so sorry for your loss Ron was one of my child hood hero's.god bless
Sonny & Butch Molter
December 17, 2015
JoAnn,Kenny,Bobby,Paula
Sorry to hear about Ronnie,he will be missed by all that knew him , Great guy & alway's a "HI - HOW ARE YA!!" , now he's up with Pepe' and their keeping an eye on each other as they alway's have
Debra Tribuna
December 16, 2015
JoAnn & Family.. Although I didn't know Ron I feel like I did & wish I had known him, a great human being. The accolades and outpouring of grief at his passing speak for themselves. Please know you are all in my thoughts & prayers. And JoAnn, if you feel a squeeze of your hand that is me sending my love & support at this very difficult time. God Bless Ron & all who are feeling this great loss. Sincerely, Deb (Robuccio) Tribuna
Irene Millet
December 16, 2015
I didn't know Ron but read a lot about him. My husband died the day after Christmas so I know what you are feeling. But rest assured, he is still watching over you and will be with you in spirit all the days of your lives. Please accept my condolences.
Deborah Coulter-Harris
December 16, 2015
Please accept my sincere condolences upon the loss of a wonderful person. I went to St. John's/Sacred Heart Grammar school with Ron for eight years, and he was always a class act and a good fiend. I am so, so sorry to hear of Ron's passing.
Jim LeBlanc
December 15, 2015
Gene,
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Steven Hanscome
December 15, 2015
I am sorry to hear the passing of Ron. I have wonderful memories of him he will be missed. May God be with him and his family.
Ron Knoll
December 15, 2015
I will always cherish his friendship and the laughs during our conversations, Ron was dedicated to his Family and Friends, deepest sympathy to all the extended Bouchard Family. Ron and Theresa Knoll Family
December 15, 2015
I'm so sad today...but will always remember the good times; how Ronnie always made me feel special...how all of you so much made me happy whenever we met. Thank you. I'm sure the strengths you have, we all have, as race car people will bring us through this tough time. No more pain and frustration are probably Ronnie's thoughts right now...and that is what I am thankful for as no one should endure these for long. I hope each day from now will turn towards happier times and thankful times for what we did have during Ronnie's amazing time.
Donald Hall
December 15, 2015
Ron you will always be in my fondest memories of the good ole days of racing at Westboro speedway.
December 15, 2015
my thoughts and prayers are with the whole Bouchard family.
December 15, 2015
Deepest sympathy to Ron's family. Our prayers are with you all at this tough time.
Cathy Calamare & family
Shelly Descoteaux
December 14, 2015
To the Bouchard family I send my deepest sympathies. May your cherished memories help you during this difficult time.
Elaine Hennessey-Goodrow
December 14, 2015
To the Bouchard family, as a very young girl I would go out to the Fitchburg and Leominster area with my parents (Diane Lukasiewiz/Jerry Hennessey) and my wonderful Uncle Paul Lukasiewiz. Many stories were shared about Ron (all good, of course). Just a few short weeks ago we were in Concord for a soccer game, my family had plans to go visit Rons museum, with hopes of catching a glimpse of him. My son Trent races at Seekonk Speedway, and just a few short months ago, an older gentleman came over and talked to Trent about the great Ron Bouchard! I was proud to say the name Ron Bouchard has been well known in my family for more than 40years. Ron, RIP, certainly a man well known, loved and missed. The Hennessey-Goodrow family sends their condolences.
Nate Gallimore
December 14, 2015
To Paula and the entire Bouchard family,
So sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working with Ron in the early 90's, he was a great leader and great to me. I learned a lot from him. Thanks Ron.
Kathy Giacheri
December 14, 2015
To Paula and the entire Bouchard family I am deeply saddened and very sorry for your loss. Ronnie was an exceptional person and dear friend to many. My heart and prayers are with you in this time of need. Good bye my friend RIP.
Bobby Vee at Watkins Glen
Joey May
December 14, 2015
I owned the Bobby Vee 72X and was very happy to race against Ron and Bob Johnson. It was an amazing time with some great talents. I was friends with Paula's father Ed. You will certainly be missed.
Fran 'Jr' Colson
December 14, 2015
Sorry to hear of Ron's passing. Thoughts and prayers to the entire Bouchard family.
Jodi Meola (Evans)
December 14, 2015
Condolences to the Bouchard Family. I still remember Ron racing with my dad and the memories of his smile are still with me. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Doris. Aka Dottie Gallant
December 14, 2015
The fun we had working with our dads moving furniture. Then when we worked on your first race car in the garage. You were my childhood friend.
Orrrin and Audrey Sawyer
December 14, 2015
The "Kid From Fitchburg" was one of our all time favorite drivers,from Seekonk in the early 70's to making us New Englanders all proud in the Cup series.RIP Ronnie.
harold rose
December 14, 2015
Paula, our prayers are with you and your family, always enjoyed Ron's happy smile and friendly "hello" and of course a Florida neighbor is always missed God Bless you and will always be happy to have met both of you Harold & Shelby Rose
December 14, 2015
Paula, with our heartfelt condolences . We wish there were words to help you ease the pain , but there are not. So many great accomplishments. Sending our love and wishing you peace. Anthony & Roberta Alteri
Gene Olsen
December 14, 2015
R.I.P. Ron you were one of the greats in racing. I remember watching you when I was younger and over the years, Thank you for the memories R.I.P.
Dennis Shivers
December 14, 2015
Used to enjoy "competing" with Ron when he came too Islip Speedway for the "ALL STAR" race...R.I.P.
Tagg/Talman families
December 14, 2015
It was an honor to know Ron & we will cherish all the racing memories he gave us. He was such a kind person off the track also. Prayers & peace to Paula & the entire family.
Jim and Cheryl Delage and family
December 14, 2015
From Westboro to Talladega you made us proud to be New England race fans. From Maine to Florida your smile was infectious. Thank you Ronnie Bouchard and may God watch over your family
Johnna Kovalchick
December 14, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I never had the honor of meeting Ron, but my parents thought so highly of him and Paula too.
Good Times 1985 Hudson NH, we miss you all
Crystal & Jim Snape
December 14, 2015
Jordan Goulding
December 14, 2015
My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Jeremy Avery
December 14, 2015
God Bless you all. From all accounts Ron was a really good person. He is in a better place now.
Yasmin Loft
December 14, 2015
Dear Paula and Family,
Although I know that no words can ease the loss you feel, just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. RIP Ron.
Rena Falconi
December 14, 2015
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Jimmy and Rena Falconi
Brad Lafontaine
December 14, 2015
All of us here at Northeast Race Cars are sad to hear about the passing of Ron R.I.P.my friend
Larry Vassar
December 14, 2015
Thanks for the memories. God Speed sir.
Deborah LaPointe
December 14, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to the whole family. He was bigger than life but in a very quiet and private way.
Gary Palmer
December 14, 2015
Sending my condolences to both the Bouchard and Flemke family
Diane Powell
December 14, 2015
My deepest sympathy to Paula and all the Bouchard family. Diane Powell
Maryann & Ziggy Rothstein
December 14, 2015
Dear Paula, Chad, and the entire Bouchard family,
Ziggy and I were greatly saddened to hear of Ron's passing. We have such wonderful memories of you two, from the time you were just a kid riding to the races in the back seat with your book and folding chair to the great parties at the dealerships. May God and his angels surround you and support you during this difficult time.
Westboro Speedway
Billy Orlando
December 14, 2015
Very sad to hear of Ron's passing. Great memories growing up and watching Ron racing hard every Saturday night at Westboro Speedway. The good ol days of rolling my 9 month pregnant wife under the fence to sneak in.
Vicki & John Beike
December 14, 2015
JoAnn, Bobby & family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your memories help ease your sorrows.
December 14, 2015
As a racing fan up here in northern NH, i remember he and Kenny thrilling fans at Monadnock Speedway (Madog) in Winchester with him going laps with Geoff Bodine and jimmy Spenser. What a win at "Dega" that day in July. They were the real drivers back then!!! Best to Paula and famly in this sad time. I'm sure Bob Whitcomb will send his best. Kenny drove for Bob, and I'm sure Ron cheered him on. Ron's on the best race track there is>
Joe Marek
December 14, 2015
My thoughts and prayers to all the bouchard family. Late 70s and early 80s.Stafford. we sponsored Ray Miller.miss those days always enjoyed watching Ron and Kenny racing
George "Buzzie" Bogart
December 13, 2015
My heartfelt condolences thoughts & prayers.
May Ron Rest In Peace
Ed Angell
December 13, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family . Ronnie was a great guy.
Ed Angell "The Pirate 91 "
John & Vicki Beike
December 13, 2015
JoAnn and Bobby, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May your memories help comfort you.
Joe & Marion Rosenfield
December 13, 2015
Was so thrilling to watch Ronnie at Seekonk and Thompson Speedways. I remember his beautiful smile and wonderful personality. Condolences to his family. May you R.I.P.
Sal Degon
December 13, 2015
Paula, so sorry to hear about Ron, I will always remember him as good friend.
Pat Kovalchick
December 13, 2015
Paula and family. I wish I had magic words to help your heart not hurt so badly. Paula, sorry I can't be there but
I hope to see you soon. I don't have to tell you how much Ronnie meant to us. You both are dear to us. We are here for you in any way you need us. Love, Pat
john and mary fortunato
December 13, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John McMullin
December 13, 2015
One of the great New England NASCAR driver's who made it to the top in NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing. Ron was very popular with the fans and I'll never forget his stunning victory at Talladega, AL. beating Waltrip and La Bonte to the checkered flag. An amazing and talented driver.
Sonny and Karen O'Sullivan
December 13, 2015
May he rest in Peace ,Condolences to his Family and many friends he surely will be missed!
Jackie Houle
December 13, 2015
I was sad to hear of Ron's passing. Thoughts and prayers to the Bouchard family.
As a former Leominster Ma. native now living in Las Vegas, I'll always have great memories of my family and I going to see Ron race every weekend at Westboro and Seekonk. Ron was always my favorite driver. RIP Ron and thanks for the memories.
Shelley Martin
December 13, 2015
Sorry for your loss
Len and Carole Haug
December 13, 2015
We respect both the man and his business as long time customers. Please accept our condolences.
The Baranano family
December 13, 2015
Our deepest condolence to Chad and the entire Bouchard family. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Bruce Gamble
December 13, 2015
To Paula and all the children: I was sad to hear of Ron's passing. I know he is n a better place with no pain. Memories of him will live on for years to come. He will be the angel that will look over you. May God Bless.
BRADFORD LEET
December 13, 2015
Ron was a great guy I use to work with him Kenny and his dad back moving furniture with red and white moving his dad owned god bless the family he will be missed!!
Ron Giroux
December 13, 2015
To the Bouchard family, sorry for your loss. Ronnie was always smiling in life and proud of his family. I remember as a young kid sitting with Michelle at Stafford and all us of kids screaming for him to win. Also at Thompson letting us young kids get in the victory lane photos. Memories that will never fade. RIP to the Talladega Terror and one of NE finest people. God bless.
Joe & Mary Ann Wueke
December 13, 2015
Our heartfelt thoughts & prayers go out to Paula & all of Ron's family.
We remember many great nights spent watching Ron & the gang at races throughout New England.
Faith B
December 13, 2015
I remember watching Ron and so many others racing at Westboro Speedway. Those were great times. Thank you Ron for those memories. R.I.P. My prayers to your family and friends.
Karen Slater
December 13, 2015
Thought and prayers to the entire Bouchard family, I am so sorry for your loss. Ronnie was always a special person to me. I have so many great memories, I will never forget him.
My deepest Sympathies are with you.
Ken Dunaway
December 13, 2015
My thoughts and prayers to the family for your loss. Watched many races of Ron. Truly a first class racer and person.
Brenda Boisvert (Pendergast
December 13, 2015
Hi condolences to the family at this time . I didn't know Ron but I recognize the name from racing days with my dad George Pendergast . He passed in 1991. May they both rest in peace.
Stephen Zukowski
December 13, 2015
RIP Ron, you have been my hero since I was a small child. Thanks for the great memories! My condolences to the entire Bouchard family. God speed M&H Race Master #7
My Son Bob and Ron in 1981...
Mary Sargent
December 12, 2015
Just want to say my thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. Ron was my racing hero,,,there is a heck of a race going on in heaven right now,,,God Speed Ronnie.
Terry Locher
December 12, 2015
I had the privilege and honor of working for Ron and the Bouchard family for several years. Ron's words of wisdom when have always remained fresh in my mind and served as a compass and guide me still to this day.
Diane Bodine
December 12, 2015
Always in out heart, always in our Memories. God bless Paula, Gene Rob, Michelle, Traci and Chad. Please know my thoughts and prayers Are with you all! God Speed RB!
Charles Bennett
December 12, 2015
To the Bouchard family my god be with your hole family and friends.
Chris Romano
December 12, 2015
Very sorry for your loss. Growing up in Fitchburg Ron was my hero. Still is.
Jimmy Johnson
December 12, 2015
Thoughts and prayers for Family and Friends. Rest In Peace Ron and Thanks for you life'
George and Ivy Sanders
December 12, 2015
He was a friend indeed; he will truly be missed. He always wanted those around him to always do the right thing for his customers.
Craig Turner
December 12, 2015
To Ron's entire family,
Ron's path through life and mine crossed ever so briefly in the early 1970's, and in a couple of very brief encounters it was obvious that he was "a class guy!" I'm glad to have had a chance to shake his hand! May your many, many positive memories of him and with him help you through your difficult grieving process.
donnie swan
December 12, 2015
Always a true gentleman....role model....someone who's smile was contagious....
bill Symonds
December 12, 2015
I remember the day you won at Talladega and went from third to first in the last turn. People could hear me yelling 2 ouses down!! Long live modified racing. SPrint cup is nor loke it used to be,
Nancy Wahl-Lamb
December 12, 2015
Such a loss of a wonderful man with a warm smile. Race on
Jo and Sam Pollock
December 12, 2015
Rosie and Chad and the entire Bouchard family, we were so saddened to hear the news about Ronnie. We both loved being with all of you and had some really great times, We'll never forget that million dollar smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
December 12, 2015
Rip Ron , Oswego Speedway Safety Crew
December 12, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss.Beth Hogan Bickford and Kevin Hogan (Litchfield Ct)
James Decourcy
December 12, 2015
Thoughts and prayers to entire family
KOZ McQueeney
December 12, 2015
One of the Best Weel men in the Northeast
R I P DRIVER
December 12, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers go to the entire Bouchard family, with special thoughts to Michelle. Owen and Pat Hart
Ron at age 15
Tim Audette
December 12, 2015
RIP Ron , feeling very very sad ,God Bless You and the familey's you will truly be missed.
I'm totally at a loss for words ... thought this might bring a smile to your face.
Judith Yaskolka
December 12, 2015
Ronald Levesque
December 12, 2015
To Paula and Ron ' s entire and extended family . My and my family's sincerest condolences on the lost of a great man and racer.
From one of the little guys that raced .
Christine Lombardo
December 12, 2015
To the entire Bouchard family, we are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Ronnie so very much. We have so many great memories, we will never forget him.
Our prayers and Deepest Sympathies are with you. Louie & Chris Lombardo.
John D Ferguson
December 12, 2015
Ron will be missed. A true gentleman and excellent, fair racer. Always fun to talk to and compete against.
TOM BLANCHETTE
December 12, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the Bouchard Family. I was so saddened to hear about Ron. He was a fantastic person. My oldest memory of Ron was from "FHS", and his '63, Ford, "427." Just watching Ron drive up to school, in that Red Car, was a memorable experience. Prior to the John Fitch being finished, Ron dragged a friends (Mat Aho)"396 SS,"on that road, of course Ron won!!!!RON WILL NEVER, EVER, BE FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS..TOMB CLASS OF "65"
Brian Danko
December 12, 2015
To Paula and the entire Bouchard family, I am so very sorry for the loss of Ronnie. Ronnie was very special to many people and he will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. Our prayers are with you all.
December 12, 2015
Paula and the entire Bouchard family ,our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ron will be missed. Mike and Kristal Loescher.
Lindsey Torkkel
December 12, 2015
My condolences to the entire Bouchard family and the employees. I had the pleasure of working at Ron Bouchards and it was an honor to know Ronnie himself. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone. He will certainly be missed dearly. xoxo
December 12, 2015
Gene, Annette, Josh and Katie, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Sue and Kyle
sandy & Carol Mackinnon
December 12, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers to Paula & Chad and the entire Bouchard family.
CharLee Smith
December 12, 2015
Paula, Chad and the entire Bouchard family,
My sincere condolences for your loss. Ronnie was a great guy and will be deeply missed by many. May strength and comfort be with you in the days to come.
Don Bissonnette
December 12, 2015
To Rons family . Just saw Ron at at the RBmuseum opening as gracious as ever! R.I.P. RON AND RACE ON!
DON BISSONNETTEJR.
Showing 1 - 100 of 135 results
Make a Donation
in Ronald Bouchard's name
Memorial Events
for Ronald Bouchard
How to support Ronald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ronald Bouchard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
