Ronald D. Craig

Ashland – Mr. Ronald D. Craig, of Ashland, formerly of Newton, died Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at his home. He was 84.

Ronald was born in Rutland, Vermont on October 7, 1937, the son of the late David S. and Gertrude E. (Goodwin) Craig. As a young boy his family moved back to New Brunswick, Canada to take care of his ailing grandmother. He was raised and educated in New Brunswick, remaining in Canada until he was twenty. The family also lived for a time in both British Columbia and in Ontario. With family connections and job opportunities, he moved back to the United States settling in the Waltham area. He worked at the Raytheon Corporation as a lab technician for forty-seven years.

Ron would frequent Helen's Restaurant on Main Street, where coincidentally his sister, Virginia, had worked. There, he quickly got to know one of Virginia's friends, Jean Stanton; it was an instant match. Ron and Jean got married on September 18, 1960 in Our Lady's Church and settled in the Auburndale area of Newton. They would soon welcome their two children, Karen and David into the world, just 17 months apart.

Family activities were at the center of the Ron's life. He fell in love with skiing and that would soon follow suit with the rest of the family. They learned at Prospect Hill, where Ron was on the ski patrol. Some of their fondest memories were at Sunapee, Crotched Mountain, and Sugarloaf. They also loved to go camping; together Ron and Jean covered 47 states in their beloved RV. His active lifestyle wasn't limited to skiing and camping; he was a scout leader for his son's Boy Scout Troop, was a seasoned hunter, and of course, he loved taking his motorcycle out for a long ride.

Ron leaves his loving wife of 61 years, Jean P. (Stanton) Craig; his children, David R. Craig and Karen P. Gelfusa, and her husband Tony, all of Ashland; his grandchildren Katrina Gemma and Antonio Gelfusa; his great-grandchildren Joseph and Sophia Gemma; his sister Virginia Schov of Deerfield Beach, Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Ron's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, November 17th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at his funeral service on Thursday morning at 11 a.m.

Burial will take place at a later date.