Ronald E. Fletcher, Sr., 78, of Worcester passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 20th, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lorraine E. (Dixon) Fletcher and their three sons, Ronald E. and his wife, June of Charlton, William J. and his wife, Laurie of Hardwick and Robert C. and his wife, Kim of New Braintree; nine grandchildren, Kimberly, Jenna, William, Julia, Emily, Lynsey, Cameron, Lauren and Kayla; six great grandchildren, Kady, Elana, Eric Jr., Nathaniel, William and Gabriella; a sister, Leatrice (Fletcher) Brigham of Moultonborough, NH; a brother, William L. Fletcher of Winter Haven, FL and many nieces and nephews.
Ronald was born in Worcester, the son of William L. Fletcher, Sr. and Marion (Brick) Fletcher and attended Worcester Public Schools. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953 serving during the Korean War. He received basic training at Sampson Air Force Base in New York, followed by aircraft mechanical school in Wichita Falls, TX. He was trained in the mechanics, repair and maintenance of B29 aircraft and the B36 Bombers, the largest aircraft in the world at that time. He was also stationed at Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso, TX. There he was an assistant crew chief for the B36 Bomber. He was honorably discharged in 1957.
He worked for Jamesbury Corporation, Heald Machine and Pratt & Whitney. He was a clerk for 15 years at the Boston & Maine Railroad. He later worked for Zecco and the Tyree Companies until his retirement in 1998.
Ronald played softball for the industrial league of Worcester from 1959 to 1966. He bowled for the Worcester City Hospital 10 pin league at Lincoln Plaza for many years. He was a member of the Webster Square roller skating club from the age of 13 to 18 years old, competing in many local and state competitions for pairs skating. He loved to golf and was passionate fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. He loved to garden and would grow extra vegetables to give to neighbors and friends. He volunteered at Abby’s House, helping with repairs and maintenance.
Ronald’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to MetroWest Hospice for their kindness and support, especially Jackie, Ginger, Diane and John, for their compassion and care during Ronald’s illness.
His funeral is Tuesday, November 27th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 11:00 AM in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours are on Monday, November 26th from 5:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Abby House, ARST Fund, 52 High Street, Worcester, MA 01609.