Ronald James Reid

Ronald James Reid, 86, of Cromwell, CT passed peacefully into God’s loving arms on March 17, 2024, at home. He was born on January 27, 1938 in Bristol, CT to Vernon and Evelyn (Ruthemann) Reid who predeceased him. Ron grew up in West Haven, CT, the second of 3 children. He was known for eating the cherries off his grandmother’s cherry tree as well as eating raw clams he dug up on the shore, spoiling his appetite for dinner. After high school, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served aboard the USS Albemarle throughout his enlistment. He retired from Pratt & Whitney Aircraft after 32 years as a video producer in the Visual Communications Department. He had a passion for photography that went beyond his day job. He took beautiful nature photos and after his retirement he enjoyed selling his work at craft fairs.

Ron was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and was grateful that he saw them win four World Series championships in his lifetime. 

 Ron married the love of his life, Diane Day, on June 6, 1959, in New Haven. They lived in East Hampton, CT, for 58 years, where they raised their 3 children. Together they served as National Executive Couple in the Episcopal Marriage Encounter.  Ron was a Warden in a number of Episcopal parishes, as well as a Eucharistic Minister and a Stephen Minister. He also served as Chaplain of the USS Albemarle/ USNS Corpus Christi Reunion Association.

Ron & Diane moved to Covenant Village in Cromwell in 2021, where he made many new friends.

 Ron is survived by his wife, Diane, his beloved children, William (Linda) Reid of Colchester, Edward Reid East Hampton, and Amanda Bell (Jimi) of Wethersfield. Grandchildren Trevor (Becky) Reid, Joshua Reid (Julie), Alexa Augeri (Brian), Nicholas Reid and chosen granddaughter, Courtney Houle (Andrew). Great-grandchildren Luke, Carson and Jacob Reid, Findley and Maddie Houle, He is also survived by brother, Richard Reid of West Haven and sister, Carol Concilio of North Haven.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the angels of Middlesex Health Hospice who not only took care of Ron, but lovingly supported his family. Special thanks to Angela, an HHA from Middlesex Hospice who had a special rapport with Ron.  Finally, special recognition to his daughter Amanda who worked tirelessly as his primary caregiver during his many illnesses over the past six months and especially during his days in hospice care.

Internment, with military honors, took place at the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown.   A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 381 Main St., Middletown on May 4 at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of the Holy Trinity, 381 Main Steet, Middletown, CT 06457 or to Middlesex Hospice, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald James Reid, please visit our floral store.