Ronald N. Tagney

Ronald N. Tagney, age 83 of Vero Beach, FL formerly of Beverly and Newburyport, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

He was the son of the late John G. and Jane Tagney, born February 1, 1940 in Beverly, MA. Mr. Tagney was a graduate of Dartmouth College (B.A.) and Boston University (M.A.). He was predeceased by his dear wife, Brooke Clark. They lived in West Newbury, MA for over 30 years. In 1996, Ron and Brooke purchased a home in The Moorings, Vero Beach and began to live here year-round in 2002.

Mr. Tagney was employed as a professor at the North Shore Community College in Beverly, where he taught History and Government for over 30 years. He also owned a real estate development business which he operated in West Newbury, and in neighboring Massachusetts towns. Mr. Tagney was a student of early American History which he approached with passion and scholarship. He published several articles and books, include The World Turned Upside Down, which traced the independence movement during the turbulent Revolutionary period in his native Essex County, Massachusetts.

As a youngster, Mr. Tagney became an avid antiques collector of Americana, particularly United States coins, which he pursued as a serious hobbyist during his life-time. Mr. Tagney had been an active member of the American Numismatic Association since 1981. During post-retirement years, he also engaged as a dealer in coins and currency.

Mr. Tagney has been active in several historical organizations in his native Massachusetts, a 50-year Master Mason of Budleigh Masonic Lodge, A.F. & A.M., in Beverly, MA, a member of the Rotary Club of Vero Beach, past President and Director of the Treasure Coast Coin Club and 20 years an Incorporator of the Newburyport Institution of Savings. Mr. Tagney was a member of the West Newbury Congregational Church.

Mr. Tagney was devoted to his family, always there as a husband and father, most of all, a friend and cheerleader. Taking notice from her dad, his daughter, Lisa, during college days began to pursue the Arts and History, which she continues to enjoy, today. His son, John, and dad operated a choose and cut Christmas tree farm on their pastoral West Newbury property, greeting friends, neighbors, and others passing by during the best of times.

Mr. Tagney is survived by his daughter, Lisa Brookes (George) Whitney, of Marion, MA, and son, John Greenlef Tagney, of Newburyport, MA, and two grandchildren George H. Whitney and Elizabeth B. Whitney. Ron spent his final years with his companion Patricia Neach, who recently preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rotary Foundation of Vero Beach, PO Box 2013, Vero Beach, FL 32961 or the West Newbury Congregational Church, 308 Main Street (PO Box 176), West Newbury, MA 01985.

Arrangements by Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Vero Beach, FL.

A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com