Ronald H. Carr

Ronald H. Carr

Grantham, NH - Ronald H. Carr (Ron), of Grantham NH, died in comfort and peace at New London Hospital in New Hampshire on January 8, 2023, at the age of 84, after an extended period of health struggles.

Ron was born on December 17, 1938, in Hartford, CT to Ethel (Smith) and Albert Carr, and attended local schools before entering Cheshire Academy. Upon graduation, he attended Rutgers University, where he was introduced to Fencing and excelled on the Rutgers team. He later graduated from the University of Hartford with a degree in Accounting. Ron enlisted in the US Air Force, serving at Lockland Air Force Base in Texas for four years where he was named Airman of the Month. He later had a long career as a database manager and programmer with the City of Hartford CT, and was selected with colleague Jim Donnelly to develop the first computer-assisted dispatch system for the Hartford Police Department.

In 1983, he married Priscilla (Goddard) Hart, welcoming family life and embracing her children, Andrea and Chris, as his own. He tapped his generous spirit often, as he planned special parties and surprises for birthdays and milestones for his new family and friends. He built an elaborate model train set and loved to help his new grandchildren and neighborhood kids run the trains and load the cars with tiny cows, sheep and people. Ron was predeceased by his older brother Brad, but had kept close and caring relationships with Brad's children and grandchildren.

Ron's interests were many and varied. Reading brought him great pleasure, and his love of dogs had many outlets – his favorite being his sweet Tuck, who would snuggle on the sofa with him. As a young man he loved racing his Austin Healey Sprite at Lime Rock, CT, and enjoyed taking his favorite cousin Betty on wild rides in that special car (Ron was a loving and protective brother-figure to Betty). He was an avid sailor and tennis player as well as an enthusiastic participant in community theater. He was generous with his time and talents as a dedicated Rotarian in New Britain CT and Lebanon NH, and as a faithful volunteer and IT guru with the Friends of Veterans in White River Junction VT. Ron loved classical and folk music, and enjoyed seeking out new and emerging artists. He and Priscilla sang in the choir at First Church of Christ, New Britain CT, under the leadership of their dear friends Dick and Carole Kite. They also enjoyed participating in First Church's bell choir and in the New Britain Chorale.

Ron shared his talents and interests in many ways as Board member and volunteer in the community of Eastman, NH, where he and Priscilla lived for the past 20 years. One of Ron and Priscilla's most joyful activities was providing after-school care for the two children of dear Eastman neighbors, serving as snack-makers, homework coaches, cheerleaders, and mentors in music appreciation and computer programming. These neighbors described Ron as "more reliable than the USPS at delivering the most precious cargo" (the cargo being their children, of course). This relationship was hugely nurturing for all involved.

Ron's grandchildren delighted in their Pops' "stealth-attack" style of joke-telling, and others may relate to this as well: Ron would pipe up in a conversation, slowly developing the set-up as if he were talking about an old friend. It was only moments before the punchline was revealed that his captive audience realized they'd fallen into his trap.

Ron leaves behind many friends and family who admired his generosity, goodwill, and quick wit. Ron was predeceased by his parents Ethel and Albert Carr, his brother Brad Carr, and his aunt Dodie and uncle John Sweeney. He leaves loving family members including Priscilla his devoted wife of 40 years, step-daughter Andrea Hart and husband Tony Colonnese of Arlington MA, step-son Chris Hart and wife Kerry Hart of Middletown, CT, grandchildren Hannah Colonnese, Aaron Colonnese, Jessica Hart and Mitchell Hart, cousin Betty Sweeney of West Hartford CT, niece Cindy Ellison and husband Bruce Ellison of West Linn, Oregon, nephew Gary Carr of Camp Verde, Arizona, and several grand-nieces and nephews.

Most grateful thanks to the caring nursing staff at New London Hospital, who helped Ron feel comfortable and loved during his days in comfort care. The family is planning a celebration of Ron's life in the springtime. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ron's name to the Friends of Veterans in White River Junction, VT, the American Lung Association, and the Upper Valley Humane Society.

To sign an online guestbook please visit www.chadwickfuneralservice.com.