Ronald LeRoy Douglas

BRISTOL

Ronald LeRoy Douglas, 85, of Bristol, CT is no longer with us but forever in our hearts. The wake will take place from 5-7pm on Thurs Aug 28th at O'Brien's Funeral Home. Mass will be held Fri Aug 29th at St. Matthew's Church in Forestville.

Born in Forestville on Jan 5th, 1940, Ron always exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit, from selling whirlygigs at 3 yrs old to opening Animal Kingdom, the largest pet store in the Northeast at just 20. In 1969 he opened Douglas Kitchens on Riverside Ave in Bristol which he retired from after 47 years in 2016. Ron Douglas, Douglas Kitchens would forever more be the start of nearly every conversation.

He enjoyed everything outdoors and especially loved involving his family in those activities. He enjoyed summers at the cottage in MA where he would fish, ski and sail. He looked forward to his annual hunting trips to VT even though it had been years since he got anything. Everything he tried he excelled at from music to art. Ron could literally build or fix anything and was always willing to help a friend. He went to car shows with his Corvettes and on motorcycle rides with his son and son-in-law into his 80's. But his true passion was golf. Nothing made him happier than beating the guys, especially the younger ones at the club.

Ron is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gail (LeVasseur), his children Ronald (Kathleen) Douglas and Alissa (Matthew) Pittman and his much loved Grandsons Matthew and Maxwell Pittman. His sister-in-law Louise Sheedy, Brother-in-law Donald (Doris) LeVasseur, niece Kara Ireland and his sister-friend of 80+ years Sandy (Joe) Gozzo. He was predeceased by his Parents, Sister June Newell, Brother-in-laws Thomas LeVasseur, Fred Newell and Gary Sheedy and his Nephew Douglas Newell.

Ron will forever be remembered for his big smile, wise council and sense of humor but most of all for being an amazing husband and incredible Dad. He was bigger than life and unforgettable in every way.

Please join family and friends as we gather to honor and remember Ron. This will be a time to share memories, offer support, and celebrate a life well lived, on Thursday August 28, 2025 from 5 to 7 PM at O'Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Bristol, CT.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 9 a.m. from O'Brien Funeral Home to St. Matthew Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., followed by a procession to St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol for the burial with military honors.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit Ron's tribute page at www.OBrien-FuneralHome.com

Ronald LeRoy Douglas