Boston, Massachusetts
1935 - 2020
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.
View the online memorial for Ronald "Ron" GILL
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.
William Brown
February 27, 2023 | Friend
May 07, 2020
Sorry for your loss. I have wonderful memories of Ron and Loyce in Boston. Sharon and Dick Gellis
Sharon Gellis
May 07, 2020 | Randolph, MA
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.
Josie Patterson
May 06, 2020 | Coworker
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.
Bernard Taliaferro
April 30, 2020 | Owings Mills, MD
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
April 27, 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.
Mel Green
April 23, 2020 | Boston, MA
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.
Michael Thomas
April 23, 2020 | CT
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
Steve Catalano
April 22, 2020 | Redondo Beach, CA | Friend
