GILL, Ronald "Ron" Vocalist and Radio Announcer Championed Boston's Jazz Scene Beloved father to Stephen, Kenneth and Shauna; and husband of the late Loyce Fairfax Gill and beloved son of the late Evelyn Gill Collins passed peacefully on April 16 in Charlotte, NC. Ron was a local jazz champion/aficionado; producer of a jazz radio show for 23 years at WGBH and an accomplished singer. One of his finest recordings was Ron Gill Sings the Songs of Billy Strayhorn, released in 1998. Longtime musical partners were the late pianist Manny Williams, John Stein, Reid Jorgensen and Bill Hill. He was President of The Jazz Coalition, The New England Jazz Alliance and toured with The Duke Ellington Orchestra, directed by Mercer Ellington. Ron was an Art Director/Graphic Designer for Polaroid, a Partner and Art Director of the Design Collaborative and a Sales Associate for Staples. Ron retired to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2009. Ron also leaves his brother, Tessil Collins, his grandsons Deion and DeVaughn Gill, granddaughter Lauren Morris and daughter-in-law Kathy Diamond. A Memorial Service in Boston will be held at a later date.

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Published by Boston Globe from Apr. 18 to Apr. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for RONALD GILL

18 Entries

William Brown

February 27, 2023

A little late and so sorry to read of Ronnie´s passing. As a childhood friend I recalled his early enthusiasm for music. My thoughts go back to an evening when Ronnie and I passed Billy Eckstine on Massachusetts Ave. coming from the Savoy Café where he was performing. I can still remember how Ronnie lit up. His smile and friendship will never be forgotten.

May 7, 2020

Sharon Gellis

May 7, 2020

Sorry for your loss. I have wonderful memories of Ron and Loyce in Boston. Sharon and Dick Gellis

Josie Patterson

May 6, 2020

Although I worked with Ron at WGBH Radio in the early 1990s, it was as an audience member listening to him sing that helped me to know him better. He had such a deep love for music - sharing it always in the ways that he did was inspirational. My condolences to all who loved him.

Bernard Taliaferro

April 30, 2020

Cousin Ronny's smile still lights up the room when I close my eyes and think of him. We send thoughts of love at this sad time.

April 27, 2020

Wishing the family PEACE to bring COMFORT, COURAGE to face the days ahead and LOVING MEMORIES to FOREVER hold in your hearts.

The Canada Family

Mel Green

April 23, 2020

In loving memory of my cherished friend and colleague. I am so sad to hear of Ron's passing. I freelanced for him when he worked at Polaroid, and he and I became constant friends. We were kindred musical spirits, and he gently encouraged me to explore into territories unknown and so rewarding. My sincerest condolences to his family, may beautiful memories of Ron bring them comfort, peace and blessings.

Michael Thomas

April 23, 2020

Very saddened for the passing of such a great man, friend and mentor. I met Ron in Boston a while back and I really enjoyed his presence and all of the things that he has taught me to be a better person. Very positive minded, exquisite, intelligent and a phenomenal singer. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy and influence will live on forever. My prayers and condolences go out to his family in this difficult time of bereavement. Earth's loss, but Heaven's gain. Rest in Paradise, my friend.

Steve Catalano

April 22, 2020

So sorry to hear about the passing of my long time friend and mentor. Ron took me under his wing a long time ago when I was an aspiring jazz musician. He not only taught about music but why we do what we've chosen to do as creative artists as well as many other life lessons. He will be greatly missed. I am inspired bye him to this day. My love to Stephen, Kenneth and Shauna. "Brother Where Are You" in my heart for ever. Steve Catalano

Cheryl Anderson

April 22, 2020

Followed Ron from the early days of the Manny Williams Trio - he will be missed.
My heart goes out to his other friends and his family. Rest in peace Ronnie

Jon Marable

April 22, 2020

No one liked to tell stories, in conversation or in song, more than Ronnie. In either context he did it with verve and panache. In the early 70's several of us green musicians were brought by Ronnie into his group of far more experienced performers and given a great education in the world of music. This was typical of Ronnie's way of giving. I'll always be grateful for that. I pray that his family can feel the plethora of deep embraces of love.

Henrietta Robinson

April 20, 2020

In loving memory of a cherished colleague and jazz musician. I am sadden to hear of Rons passing. He and I were radio hosts at WGBH during the 1990s, and we also shared the bandstand on an occasion or two. I extend my sincerest condolences to the family. May you find comfort and peace in your beautiful memories of Ron.

Eileen

April 20, 2020

Rest in peace. We loved you but God loved you best. W G B H will be missed by a great LEGEND Condolences to the family.

Chacho Ramirez

April 19, 2020

Ron was my friend,bandleader,mentor,brother in music for almost 50 years.We played so much beautiful music together-laughed and cried together-Ron's generosity, insight,creativity and wisdom knew no bounds.I will miss his beautiful smile and infectious laughter.Those who knew him understand
R.I.P I will miss you- my condolences to Shawna,Kenneth,and Steven and the rest of the Gill family

Rynette Canty

April 19, 2020

He was a sweet and gentle soul who loved his family and jazz. He was a special part of my family. Shauna and Lauren and the Gill family, The Canty's love you guys.

Ruth Harris

April 19, 2020

So saddened to read of Ron's passing. We worked together at Polaroid so many years ago. And have such fond memories of Ron and his band singing at our wedding. We kept in touch all these years...will be at the memorial service in Boston...
Condolences to the whole family.
Ruth Evans Harris

Darlene Kilgallon

April 19, 2020

What an amazingly talented man. I never knew any of this but we grew up around the corner from each other Stephen. I wish I had known. Such a tremendous loss for your family, the Jazz community and the world at large. My prayers withyou all.

Wende

April 19, 2020

Mr. Gill was my childhood friend Shauna Lisas daddy. Most likely, he was also the inspiration that came to launch her adventurous and wonderfully outgoing personality. Shauna is a living testimony to Ronnie Gills long, vibrant life. RIP Sir~

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