Ronald F. Desgroseilliers

1937 - 2025

Mr. Ronald Frederick Desgroseilliers, 88, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Fitchburg, MA, on March 22, 1937, he was the son of the late Albert and Elizabeth Anderson Desgroseilliers.

Ronald graduated from Fitchburg High School and later earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He honorably served in the United States Army from 1960-1964, demonstrating the dedication and leadership that would define his entire life.

Ronald's remarkable career began early, developing his business acumen working on his family's dairy farm from a young age. In 1955, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at bases in New York and Georgia. In 1956, he received a congressional appointment by Congressman Philip Philbin to attend West Point Academy, where he excelled from 1956-1960, completing artillery school, missile school, airborne and ranger training.

His distinguished military career included serving as Launch Site Commander at the Nike missile site in Hull, MA from 1960-1962, and Army Weapons Commander for Foreign Intelligence at Watervliet Arsenal in Watervliet, NY from 1962-1964, where he specialized in cannon design and manufacturing.

Following his military service, Ronald transitioned seamlessly into civilian leadership, beginning with General Electric's Manufacturing Management program from 1964-1966, working in Pittsfield, MA, Schenectady, NY, and Cincinnati, OH on small motor purchasing and large steam engine manufacturing. His expertise quickly advanced him through increasingly responsible positions: Unit Manager of manufacturing for five products in the distribution protective department (1966-1969), followed by a brief tenure as Superintendent at Marsh Instruments Company in Frankfort, KY (1969-1970).

Returning to General Electric, Ronald's career flourished through a series of management roles that showcased his technical expertise and leadership abilities. He served as Manager of Recloser Inductrol Manufacturing Shop Operations in Pittsfield, MA (1970-1972), Manager of Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Control for Distribution Transformers (1972-1973), Manager of Wire Mill operations (1973-1974), and Manager of Manufacturing Engineering and Operations for Power Transformers (1974-1975). From 1975-1980, he managed the entire Distribution Transformer Department.

The capstone of Ronald's career came from 1980-1998, when he served as Manager of Environmental Protection and Utilities, leading critical PCB remediation efforts in Pittsfield, MA. His responsibilities extended nationwide, with business travel to Oakland, CA, and Rome, GA.

Ronald served as the primary liaison between GE and regulatory agencies, successfully negotiating complex environmental agreements that satisfied both corporate and governmental requirements. His collaborative approach with GE's corporate and legal teams ensured that all settlements exceeded compliance standards. During a pivotal era of industrial environmental regulation, Ronald's reputation as an ethical and effective negotiator made him indispensable to the company's environmental strategy.

Ronald was a devoted family man who found his greatest joy in life's simple pleasures and time spent with loved ones. He was especially dedicated to his son Michael, who had Down Syndrome, demonstrating the same love and support he showed all his children and grandchildren.

Ronald was also known as "Mr. Fix It" - there was never a need for hired help as he could repair anything from appliances and motors to sewing curtains and Halloween costumes.

He had a deep affection for dogs and treasured every moment with his grandchildren, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Family gatherings were never complete without spirited card games, where Ronald's competitive nature truly shone during fierce pitch games that became legendary among family members. An avid reader with an insatiable curiosity, he balanced his intellectual pursuits with an active lifestyle that included tennis and racquetball. Ronald's love for the water was evident in the countless happy hours he spent vacationing and boating on Lakes Monomonac and Sunshine in New Hampshire, as well as sailing in the beautiful waters of San Francisco Bay.

Ronald leaves behind his devoted wife of 65 years, Joyce Morrilly Desgroseilliers of Pittsfield, MA; his daughters, Deb Adduci and her husband John of Charlestown, MA, and Michelle Pope and her husband David of Warwick, RI; his grandchildren, Caitlin Pope and her husband Ren Vicera of Wailuku, HI, Jessica Pope of Charlestown, MA, Caroline Adduci of New York, NY, and Jack Adduci of Charlestown, MA; and his great-grandchild, Hunter Vicera of Wailuku, HI.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Michael Patrick Desgroseilliers, who passed away in 2015, and his brother, Barry Francis Desgroseilliers of Westborough, MA, who passed away in 2007.

Funeral Notice

Funeral services for Ronald will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to BCARC in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Please visit www.dwyerfuneral.com to leave condolences and remembrances.