Ron S Woolhouse

Sturbridge...Ronald S. Woolhouse, 77, died suddenly while in Maine, surrounded by his wife and 2 daughters. 

He leaves his wife of 55 years, Jackie "Precious" (Collette) Woolhouse.  They were married June 1, 1963 at St Mary’s Church in Southbridge on a beautiful summer day. 

He also leaves his 2 daughters Wendy Denning of Wilton, Maine, and Sherri Klein and her husband David of Southborough, MA,  4 beautiful grandchildren Alex and Nicholas Klein, and Amelia and Logan Denning. He also leaves his 2 sisters Barbara Schneider and her husband William of Pleasanton, CA, and Judith Balch and her husband Lloyd of Hornsby, TN. He also leaves his extended family Stan and Judy Ropiak, Penny Ethier, Sue Rushlow, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Arthur Woolhouse of Mississippi.

Ron was born in Providence, RI, son of the late Arthur H. and Esther (Harrigan) Woolhouse.  He graduated from Mary E. Wells High School in 1959 and served his country in the US Army thereafter. He later attended Quinsigamond Community College, Clark University, and Harvard Business School. 

Ron retired in 2006 as a Lieutenant of the Sturbridge Fire Department, in which he held the position as Fire Inspector and Arson Investigator. He served the residents of Sturbridge for 38 years. Prior to that, he started his career at the Southbridge Fire Department from 1962-1968 before moving his family to Sturbridge.

Ron also was known for serving as the Board of Health Inspector for the Towns of Sturbridge and Brimfield. He loved being a part of the famous Brimfield Flea Market as the Board of Health  food inspector.

Prior to serving the citizens of so many, he had worked at American Optical Co. (1961-66), Vederroot (1966-70), Combustion Engineering ((1970-88), CE/ABB (1988-91), and John Bailey Promotions (1991-2001). During his employment, Ron traveled extensively and experienced pure joy from meeting people from all over the world. 

It was always a joke that Ron would “retire” one day...but he never did. He was always involved with a project around town or helping someone. When he did have time away, he loved to spend every minute of the day with his “precious” around the house in Sturbridge, Florida or Maine. 

Ron loved to watch the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots. But most of all, Ron enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his wife, daughters, son in law, and his beloved Alex, Nicholas, Amelia, and Logan. He was always right there on the sidelines of the ball fields or in the audience watching his grandchildren. When he wasn’t with his family, he was smiling with his many friends. When not in Sturbridge, he and Jackie spent time in Florida for 11 years, and enjoyed his home in Kennebunk, Maine for 35 years.

To him, life was complete. Ron made sure everyone knew about his family and the love and pride he had for them. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. 

Calling hours will be held Thursday, October 4, 2018, from 4-7PM at Notre Dame Church, 446 Main Street, Southbridge, MA 01550.  The funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 5, 2018 at 11AM at the church (PLEASE MEET DIRECTLY AT THE CHURCH).  Burial will follow at OakRidge Cemetery, Everett Street, Southbridge, MA 01550. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905, or to the donor's favorite charity. Sansoucy Funeral Home, 40 Marcy Street, Southbridge is directing the services. www.sansoucyfuneral.com

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