Ronald P. Lovely, 64, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2021 at UMass Memorial Hospital - University Campus with his loving family by his side following complications from pneumonia.
He was born in Worcester, the son of the late Vincent M. Lovely, Sr. and Gloria C. (Trombly) Lovely.
Ronnie graduated from Quinsigamond Community College and then attended UMass Amherst where he spent a semester as an exchange student at Oregon State University. While at OSU he played on the rugby team and enjoyed traveling and exploring the west coast. He returned to Worcester and completed his bachelor's degree from Worcester State College.
Ronnie was a counselor at Anchor House in Worcester and also worked for Red Cab and Yellow Cab.
As a huge sports enthusiast, Ronnie, in his earlier years, pursued his love of baseball by coaching Little League. He also enjoyed his time candlepin bowling and fishing with his lifelong friend Mike.
A passionate Red Sox fan, Ronnie was thrilled to celebrate their 2004 long anticipated World Series championship. He often said his favorite players of all time were Tony C. and Dewey Evans. He treasured his autographed photo of Dewey with the inscription, "Ron, always do your best." Ronnie rarely missed a televised Bruins game, noting that as much as baseball was his love, he was equally passionate about hockey and the Bruins, cheering them every game to their 2011 Stanley Cup championship.
Ronnie's love of travel brought him to Ireland and also a road trip across the U.S. with his twin brother Robbie and their friends. On their way to the west coast, they had the thrill of meeting up with the then-popular Red Sox crew including Johnny Pesky, Ned Martin, Bob Stanley, and Bill Lee. The photos they captured became legendary over the years.
As someone who had an interest in the English language, Ronnie enjoyed learning new words and meanings. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed music, especially from the 70's, and he also enjoyed watching old TV shows from the 60's. A favorite pastime was visiting the many beaches of New England.
One of Ronnie's remarkable traits was his gift of an incredible memory. He was known as the family historian, recalling long-ago dates, events and the smallest details.
Ronnie had a deep love for family and friends. He particularly took joy in family holidays and special occasions with his nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews, celebrating with them their many milestones, activities and accomplishments.
Ronnie will be deeply missed by his brother Michael H. Lovely; his sisters Kathleen G. Bartlett, twins Laraine P. Kingsbury and Lucille L. Biernacki and her husband Brian, Sheila J. Bailey, and Sherrie L. Tarquinio and her husband Franco; his many nieces and nephews; and his many grandnieces and grandnephews. He will also be missed by his devoted friend Arlene.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Vincent M. Lovely, Jr., William P. Lovely, Sr., Steven G. Lovely, and his twin Robert P. Lovely.
His funeral will be on Thursday, September 16 with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street. Burial will be private. Visitation will be in the church from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the Mass. Masks are suggested for the visitation period. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, is assisting the family with arrangements.