Ronald J. Komar

Fiskdale: Ronald J. Komar, 82, of Cedar St., passed away suddenly on January 28th at UMass Memorial- University Campus.

He leaves his loving wife of 54 years, Judith E. Komar; his daughters, Kelly R. Kielty and her husband Michael of Franklin and Robin Stamp and her husband Paul of Franklin; his brother, Gary Komar and his wife Cindy of Oxford, CT; sisters, Sheila Morris of West Palm Beach, FL, Mary Hodge of Stuart, FL and Janet Terry of Hobe Sound, FL; Grandchildren, Owen Kielty, Ryan Kielty, Quinn Kielty, Madeline Stamp, and Ruby Stamp, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ronald was born in Bridgeport, CT the son of John J. and Mary V. (Homa) Komar.

In middle school, Ron moved to Monroe CT, where his carpenter father built their forever home. Growing up in a boisterous house of 5 children, he enjoyed the country life and gatherings with countless aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as picnics at Indian Wells, clamming, swimming & fishing.

Ron enjoyed sports throughout high school, playing both baseball and basketball, earning the nickname "Swish". After graduation from Masuk High School, Ron attended the University of Bridgeport for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he was accepted to Officer Candidate School. Before setting off for training at Fort Benning, GA, Ron and his best friend retrofitted a VW Bus and embarked on an epic camping trip across the United States to Los Angeles, CA. While in the Army, Ron served a tour in Vietnam as an Intelligence Officer before being stationed at Fort Hood in Texas. He retired from the National Guard as a Major.

While home on leave, Ron often visited his favorite next-door neighbor, Judi Elliott - they had been pen pals throughout his tour in Vietnam. Letters turned into long and expensive long-distance telephone calls, before they decided they should maybe think about tying the knot! Ron swept Judi off her feet by sending a diamond ring and a dozen long stem roses in the mail. She said "Yes!" Married for 53 years, their adventures took them across the country, moving 7 times.

After leaving the Army, Ron joined civilian life earning a bachelor's degree from Methodist University, in N.C. Ron had many varied careers in his lifetime - a manager for ADT security systems, Salesman, US Postman, Animal Control Officer, Town Constable, to name a few!

Ron was a loving husband and father and the king of fun. He coached the girls in sports, if he wasn't cheering them on from the sidelines. He made up the best bedtime stories, created "Friday Night Trick Night" tossing the girls into the air like circus performers, giving them dolphin rides in Lake Ontario while they grew up in their beloved Rochester, NY. Ron even built a tree house in the backyard where the girls and friends enjoyed many sleepovers all summer long.

With Kelly and Robin living close by, Ron enjoyed being a grandfather to five grandchildren. Ron enjoyed their concerts, plays, sports, musicals, art shows and countless birthdays and holidays with his family. Ron was young at heart and his fun-loving nature brought such joy to his family.

There was never a better neighbor or friend than Ron. Family friendships began in Rochester, NY on Belcoda Drive. Ron bought the worst house on the best street - a gamble that hit the jackpot - living there for 12 years building lifelong friendships. This continued in Sturbridge, MA where he rekindled his love of the outdoors. As an active member of the Hamilton Rod and Gun Club, he served in many roles over the last 35+ years and built invaluable friendships. Ron was an active member of the American Legion, the Worcester County League and many other organizations supporting the outdoors and veterans.

Ron will be forever remembered for his loyalty, positive nature, sense of humor and laugh. He didn't sweat the small stuff and always knew things would find a way to work themselves out. May we all feel blessed to have had Ron Komar in our lives.

A Funeral Mass for Ronald will be held on Tuesday, February 3rd, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, at 10:00am in St. Anne and St. Patrick Parish, 16 Church St., Fiskdale, MA. Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Monday, February 2nd from 5:00-7:00pm. Burial will be held at a later date.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mass Audubon