Ronald Villemaire

MANCHESTER - Ronald Villemaire, 69, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 22, 2018 at Bedford Hills Center, Bedford, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Manchester, he was the son of the late William and Natalie (Bascom) Villemaire.

A Retired Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force, Ronald proudly served his country overseas in the Vietnam War and during the Persian Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm. During his 24 years of honorable service, Ron was stationed in England, New York, and Arizona. He was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Five Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with Five Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Two Oak Leaf Cluster with Valor Device, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, Air Force Training Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon, and the Vietnam Service Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars.

Following his military career, Ron earned his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Franklin Pierce College in 1995. He worked for Citizens Bank for over 17 years, where he was known as the ""Man of Many Ties."" Throughout the year, his passion for unique ties grew his collection to over 750 ties.

A dedicated father, brother, uncle, and friend, Ronald was fiercely loyal to this family and dear friends. He enjoyed socializing with his many friends while playing pool, horseshoes, and bowling. A New England sports enthusiast, Ron always rooted for the Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox. Ron was an avid reader and loyal ""Star Wars"" fan. Most recently, Ron was the recipient of the ""Ron Villemaire, Star Wars Experience."" With the help of WMUR, Kelly O'Neil of O'Neil Cinemas, and the fire departments of New Boston, Bedford, and Epping, Ron was honored for his faithful service with a private viewing of ""Star Wars: The Last Jedi"" at the O'Neil Cinemas, Epping. Members of the 501st Division dressed in costume to commemorate the event, complete with Darth Vader, Storm Troopers, and, Ron's favorite character, Chewbacca the Wookiee. Ron will be best remembered for his generous heart and love of family.

Ronald is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Ngo and husband Eric of Manchester, and two grandkitties; two sisters, Marilyn Kuchma of Omaha, NE, and Donna Villemaire of Boscawen; several nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, Ronald was predeceased by his brother, Robert Villemaire; and two beloved cats.

ARRANGEMENTS: His Visitation will be held in the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 250 Coolidge Ave., Manchester, on Wednesday, January 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Transfiguration, 107 Alsace St., Manchester, on Thursday, January 25 at 11 a.m. Committal Service will Full Military Honors to follow at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy., Boscawen, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Ron's memory to Cornerstone Special Education Alliance Inc., in Jacksonville, FL at www.corneratonesea.com or The Wounded Warriors Project at www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org. To view Ronald's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.