Ron valiantly fought many health battles over the recent years including cancer and was released from his worldly body peacefully at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA with his loving and adoring wife, Cara by his side. Born in Watertown, NY and living in West Springfield, Agawam, and finally Ludlow, MA, Ron was predeceased by his parents, Doris Mae (Hevland) and Leland Perl Schneider of New York and his daughter, Lisa M. Schneider of West Springfield, MA, and his brother Kevin Schneider of Provincetown, MA. He is survived by his beloved wife Cara F. (Cheney) Schneider of Ludlow, MA, his children, Robin (James) LeBlanc of Mashpee, MA, Christina (Wayne) Falardeau of Westfield, MA, Bonnie (Philip) McKenzie of Feeding Hills, MA, Ronald D. Schneider of Ludlow, MA, and Bridget Schneider of Ludlow, MA, his grandchildren, Andrew Falardeau, Jennifer Falardeau, and Iain McKenzie, his brothers, Randy of Arlington, TN, Keith of Mount Vernon, WA, Jon of Ludlow, MA, Lee James of Longmont, CO, and Stephen “Max” of Sandwich, MA and his sisters, Liane (Larry) Biron of Wellfleet MA, and Linda (John) Harrington of Flower Mound, TX. He is also survived by 16 nieces and nephews. Ron was a 1967 graduate of Ludlow High School and also attended Springfield Technical Community College (STCC). He served in the United States Army in the 46th Engineer Battalion and was a distinguished Vietnam Veteran earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3236 in Ludlow. He was the proud owner of New Horizons Home Improvement for over 40 years and took pride in every job he did, no matter how big or small. Jeans and a pocket tshirt and flannel and his hat. Let’s all do that! That’s how we all knew and loved him. Down to earth and a hard worker. Never afraid to get his hands dirty and fix it, whatever it may be. Always willing to help or lend a hand, or offer tips and tricks to complete a project. Whether it was telling stories from his childhood or sharing of his time in Vietnam, sharing anecdotes, beaming about his family, or giving life advice, time was a vacuum and there was never enough time to just sit and listen. His family was always his beacon and he was never more proud than when he was telling of their accomplishments or sitting on the sidelines cheering for them, going to the movies, watching shows at home, going for a long car ride to find a new ice cream spot, or even just revisiting a favorite one, adventures traveling by car to wherever the road may take them, or simply just being with them. He was always their biggest supporter. He held us all together and he held us all up. He is the fabric and the glue. He loved to have fun. He was an avid collector of eclectic things including coins, stamps, duck decoys and figurines, tools, projects, and hats. He loved to play golf with friends and family. He loved a good card game, whether at the casino, or in the living room, or in the barn. He loved the company and chatter and banter as much as he loved the games. He was methodical and fun and there was always a deck of cards and some chips nearby for a hand to be played. He was a patient mentor and teacher and was always willing to share that knowledge and those life learned tricks. Ron never met a stranger. It never mattered what your job, your background, you looked like, or your history. He was quick to say hello and chat. He had something in common with everyone he met. He cherished his friendships and always spoke so highly of those lucky enough to be called a friend. There are so many and he loved all of them. We will all remember him by his warm smile and his grin that always radiated from his eyes and his soul. As we all move on in this life without him, try to be more like him. Be kind. Be patient. Work hard. Be fun and funny and always find the joy in the little moments. Love quietly but always do it so deeply that everyone simply knows. Go a little slower and take it all in. …..And always remember to smile. Funeral services for Ronald will be held on Thursday, June 26th from the Ludlow Funeral Home. Visitation is from 12:00pm-1:30pm with a service beginning at the Funeral Home at 1:30, following the service Ron will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Island Pond Cemetery in Ludlow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ron's memory to:
Sgt. Desforges VFW Post 3236, 487 Holyoke Street, Ludlow Ma. 01056
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Previous Events
Visitation
26
Jun
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Service
26
Jun
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Cemetery Details
Location
499 Center Street
Ludlow, Ma 01056
Sgt. Desforges VFW Post 3236
Ludlow, MA 01056
