Ronald F. Malone

1936 - 2025

Ronald F. Malone
August 6, 1936 - March 30, 2025
Retired Police Chief Ronald F. Malone, 88, passed away on Sunday. A proud native of Westport, Ron always considered Westport his home, although he lived in Trumbull and Meriden over the past six years to be closer to family. Ron is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Carol (formerly Davis), their two sons, Joe (Diane) and Bill (Michelle) and daughter-in-law, Sue, as well as seven grandchildren: Michael, Kristen (Tom), Danielle (Eric), Brian, Matt, Alex and Jamie and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Jimmy.
As a young adult, Ron ran a successful refuse business which he sold in 1968 to become a Westport patrolman. After a year on the force, he entered a federal narcotics task force. After 3½ years undercover, he returned to the police force. He was promoted to sergeant in 1975 after posting the highest score ever recorded on the promotion test given by the state personnel department. He became chief of detectives in 1977 and in 1984, he became the Chief of Police. Ron loved his work with the Westport Police Athletics League. He was ahead of his time when it came to policing strategies and was well-respected by the entire force for his hands-on leadership and unwavering commitment to his officers and community. He knew leadership wasn't about authority, it was about relationships and trust. After 22 years on the force, Ron retired in 1990 to spend more time with his family, whom he loved dearly. He continued serving his community as a member of the Representative Town Meeting for sixteen years.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ron was known for his gift of connecting with people. Whether family, friend, colleague, or stranger, Ron's kindness and humor were felt by everyone he encountered. Ron had a way of putting things in perspective, breaking down complicated situations with humor, patience, and wisdom. Always the storyteller, Ron was a friend to all and treated everyone with dignity and respect. Ron was an avid photographer, and in his retired years, enjoyed art, both admiring the work of others and creating his own, listening to music, gardening, visiting museums, spending time at the library, and enjoying time with his grandchildren. Ron will be dearly missed by all who knew him, he truly was one of a kind.
A wake will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., with a funeral service at 1 pm at Harding Funeral Home in Westport. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Westport Police Athletic League, 50 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880 or online at www.westportpal.org/home. Condolences for the Malone family may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com
The family would like to express its grateful appreciation to all the staff at the Village of Kensington Place for the loving and compassionate care provided to Ron (and Carol) over the past five years.