Ronald E. Spakauskas

Ronald E. Spakauskas, 88, of Jefferson, MA, passed away on June 11, 2025, after a brief illness.

Ron, also known as Ronnie, "Sparky," and "Coach," was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, teacher, and coach who dedicated his life to family, education, sports and community. He is now reunited with his beloved wife Barbara, his devoted companion through life's challenges and joys. In their later years, Ron cared for her with unwavering love and strength during her long battle with Parkinson's.

Ron is survived by his children: Wendy Nickel, Cheryl Spakauskas, Joel Spakauskas and his wife Wendi. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Katie (Ober) Martin and her husband Sean, Emily Spakauskas and her fiancé Cam Marquis, and Jack Spakauskas, as well as his great-grandsons, Callan and Griffin Martin. Ron is also survived by Barbara's siblings and their spouses: Paul and Elaine David, Nancy David and April Mellen, Linda and Carl DiPilato, Alice and Joseph Ferraro, and Michael Aramento, as well as many wonderful nieces, nephews, dear friends and colleagues. In addition to his wife Barbara, Ron was predeceased by his parents, John and Domicelle Spakauskas, and his sister-in-law Joanne Aramento.

Ron was a graduate of Commerce High, Worcester Academy, and Worcester State College, where he earned his master's degree in education. A standout multi-sport athlete, he played football, basketball, and ran track at Commerce; at Worcester Academy, he played four years of varsity football and basketball, earning a football scholarship to the University of Miami. He later transferred to Worcester State, competing in football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and track-winning a state title in the 100-meter hurdles.

Ron was especially proud of his time spent as a football coach at Worcester State, helping lead the team to a National Collegiate Club Football Championship in 1980, which was a highlight of his coaching career.

He spent 38 years teaching Physical Science and Chemistry at Wachusett Regional High School, where he also served as a longtime advisor for the annual Science Seminars. Ron inspired generations of students both in and outside of the classroom. He was consistently present and always aware of what was happening around the school and community he cared so much about.

Ron served as Wachusett's Athletic Faculty Manager for decades. He also coached football and was instrumental in founding both the boys' and girls' golf programs, which he coached for 35 years. Golf was one of his true passions, and coaching brought him great joy. He also directed boys' and girls' postseason golf tournaments for the MIAA in Central Mass. Together with his wife Barbara, he chaperoned numerous school trips across the U.S. and abroad, and they regularly volunteered at the school's Madrigal dinners-memories they both cherished.

Ron was very proud of his service on Holden's Zoning Board of Appeals for 45 years, including as Chair. In recent years, Ron was a regular at the Holden Senior Center, where he found a sense of connection, friendship and support.

A lifelong New England sports enthusiast, Ron held season tickets to the Patriots and rarely missed a televised Red Sox or Celtics game. He took pride in maintaining his pristine lawn, pool and garden from which many batches of his famous pesto and tomato sauces were made. He also valued his lunch outings to Val's with his longtime friends and FaceTimes with his grandkids.

Ron knew a fact for almost every topic but was never boastful. He was an intellectually curious, impressively resolute, selfless man who reminded us all of the importance of family, loyalty and community. His legacy will live on in the people and places he loved.

A service and celebration of Ron's life will be held Wednesday, June 25th at 11:00am at Saint Mary's Church, 114 Princeton Street, Jefferson. Our family extends our appreciation to the care teams who supported him, including those at St. Vincent's Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to the Holden Senior Center or the Wachusett Regional High School Booster Club.