Ronald A. Ethier

MILLBURY - Ronald A. Ethier, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday July 9, 2024 after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Ron is survived by his wife Eileen (Tift) Ethier, to whom he was married for 65 years, his wonderful daughters Debbie Accorsi and husband Bob; Lynn McCluskey and husband Kevin; Kim Faw and husband Claude; and his special grandchildren Meghan and Steffanie Accorsi, Stephen, Mark and Kristin McCluskey, and Katherine, Joel and Carol Faw.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Ethier and Ann (Senecal) Ethier.

Ron graduated from Millbury High School and excelled in three sports. Upon graduation he served in the United States Coast Guard for four years. After leaving the military, Ron went on to earn his Bachelors and Master of Education from Worcester State College. Ron was a beloved teacher in the Northborough Public Schools where he taught 5th grade for 35 years. As a lifelong educator, Ron was an avid reader, and he passed on this love of reading to his daughters. He could be seen often at the public library with his three daughters and was always the first to be called for new book releases.

In addition to teaching, Ron was a high school and college referee for 25 years; finally retiring from running the floor to become a valued evaluator of referees. Ron also pitched for many years in the Millbury Softball League, with his daughters sitting on the bench by his side manning the scorebook. One of Ron’s greatest honors was being inducted into the Millbury Athletics Hall of Fame.

Ron was a wonderful and loving father, always there for his three girls. As a grandfather, "Papa" could be found sitting in the stands at every sporting event or school activity. Ron was always the first to offer a helping hand to his friends and family and his daughters could always count on him for his support.

Ron loved to play cards with his friends, enjoyed going to the casino and loved going to the beach with his family. He was also a lifelong member of the Millbury Old Timers. 

Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Ron’s life by gathering for a time of visitation on Tuesday, July 16th from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury. 

His funeral service will be celebrated following the visitation at 5:30 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Ron to the Alzheimer's Association at http://www.alz.org/manh or Alzheimer's Association MA/NH Chapter, 320 Nevada St, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460