Ron G. D'Auteuil

Ronald "Ron" G. D'Auteuil, 79, of Worcester, passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home.
Ron was born in Worcester, son of the late George and Marie Theresa (Guilmette) D'Auteuil, and has lived in Worcester for most of his life. Following high school, Ron proudly served in the United States Navy. He went on to enjoy a sales and management career with Hostess, International Harvester, and ADT. He bought and sold antiques for many years, sharing the passion of the hunt with his daughter. Ron also found great joy and was dedicated to helping others as an addiction counselor at AdCare Hospital where he shared his story passionately, giving love and counsel, guiding people in a better direction for over twenty-five years. In all that he did, he was guided by his humble intelligence, ambition and innovation.
He enjoyed trips to Maine with his good friends, shopping at estate sales, and finding quiet moments to read. As a true New Englander, Ron loved his sports teams - especially the Boston Bruins. During the hockey season, he could be heard yelling "GOAL" from a block away. Ron also loved music and very much enjoyed his years as a member of a band. His amazing, extremely recognizable voice won't soon be forgotten.
Ron was an exceptional speaker, storyteller and king of trivia, who will undoubtedly be remembered for his quick wit and expansive knowledge, known by many, especially his children and grandchildren, as the go-to source of information on a variety of topics ranging from history to antiques to sports statistics.
When his children were young, Ron enjoyed many years watching and coaching - serving as a softball coach for Worcester County Babe Ruth, a soccer coach at Holy Name High School, and a baseball coach for Jack Barry Little League, Tom Ash Babe Ruth, American Legion Post 301 and North High School - a team he was especially proud of, remaining a friend and respected mentor to many of his former players.
While his list of accomplishments and interests are vast, Ron's first priority and greatest love was always his family. Never could one imagine a kinder, gentler, more loving husband, father and grandfather - all of whom brought him tremendous joy. He beamed with pride, bragging about them any chance he got and truly enjoyed spending time with them, especially for Sunday dinners. Each year, it was Ron who made Christmas special by surprising his family with the year's most thoughtful, hard-to-find gifts. Though the greatest gift Ron gave his family was his unwavering love, devotion and guidance. They respected him, admired him and loved him fiercely in return.
Ron is survived by his loving wife and treasured best friend of fifty-six years, Marie (Ferdella) D'Auteuil; his loving children, a son, Ron J. D'Auteuil of Worcester; a daughter, Denise Higgins and her husband Michael, who Ron considered his second son, of Auburn; five grandchildren to whom Ron was a hero, Bella and Rocco D'Auteuil, Sydney and Shea Fanion, and Rhyen Higgins; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by four siblings, Geraldine Derry, George D'Auteuil, Sr., Carol Mowyer, and Philippe D'Auteuil.
Calling Hours will be held on Monday, January 8 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. His Funeral will be Tuesday, January 9, with a procession departing the funeral home at 9:40 am. en route to a 10 AM Funeral Mass at Saint John's Church on 44 Temple Street in Worcester.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation be made to Saint John's Church, Worcester, MA, Ron's home parish.