Ronald A. Zollner

Ronald A. Zollner of Acton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024 at the age of 85. A funeral mass will be held at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Acton, Massachusetts, December 18 at 10:00 am. Visitation will be private.
Ron is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jeanette (Huiras) Zollner, their children Gregory (Paula) Zollner, Debra (Scott) Valcourt, Bradley (Heidi) Zollner, and Jon Zollner, their adoring grandchildren James Valcourt, Sarah Greer, Danielle Meadows and Julia Zollner. Ron's great grandchildren Lillian Valcourt and Riley Greer always brought a special twinkle to his eye, and he will be greatly missed by another great grandchild expected in December.
Ron grew up in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, the only boy in the family with six sisters, so you know he was well taken care of. His beloved Jeanette was his high school sweetheart at St. Mary's High School. Ron received a degree in aeronautical engineering from St. Louis University. He finished college in three years so that he and Jeanette could marry. They had their first three children; Greg, Debra, and Brad, and decided their family was incomplete. The family was blessed when Jon was adopted as an infant from Vietnam.
Ron proudly served as an Aeronautical Engineer in the U.S. Air Force for over 20 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During that time, he earned a Master's Degree at the Air Force Institute of Technology and did graduate work at the University of Arizona. He served in locations as diverse as Greenland, Alaska, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Kwajalein.
Ron retired from the Air Force in 1981 and remained in Acton MA doing consulting work for many years until his full retirement. He was an avid bridge player and taught his grandchildren to play cribbage and chess. He could be easily identified by his well-worn Notre Dame cap. Ron enjoyed volunteering in the community including helping veterans who needed assistance and driving for Meals on Wheels.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron's memory to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, at Maryknollsociety.org or the Minuteman Senior Services' Meals on Wheels program at minutemansenior.org.