Obituary: Ronald J Emanuelson, 81, of Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT - (From Doolittle Funeral Home) Ronald J Emanuelson, 81, of Middletown passed away on December 15, 2020 at his home.

He is survived by his life partner of 26 years Ruth Cooke, daughter Cheryl Green and husband Stefan, brother Donald Emanuelson and his wife Deborah, daughter in law Christine Emanuelson, 5 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 2 great grandsons, 3 step great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Ron was predeceased by his son James.

Ron went to UCONN to study agriculture following his VoAg days in high school. After UCONN, he started out farming and then started his own trucking company with multiple drivers. Ron was a volunteer fire fighter at Westfield Fire Company in the 60’s and became an honorary lifetime member thereafter.

Later in life, Ron turned his interests to antique tractors which became a business and hobby that he loved until his last days.

He would transport his antique tractors as far away as Kansas putting many miles on the Peterbilt. While driving that truck, Ron was in his glory.

There was no place he wouldn’t go, near or far, knowing every mile marker along the way. Throughout his many years of cross country travel, he made friends all over the USA.

He could sit and talk for hours about his adventures with each truck and tractor that he has ever owned.

Ron was known to be a very generous person.

Someone might visit the barn, see something they like…and Ron’s response would be “take it, it’s yours”. He had a heart of gold and is best described in the words of Frank Sinatra, “I did it my way”. And he did!

Family and friends may call on Monday, December 21 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown where masks and social distancing are required. A private funeral service will be held.

To watch the service live, please go to Doolittle Funeral Home facebook page at 4:00 pm on Monday evening.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Ron’s son, James, donations may be made to American Diabetes Association, 2275 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.

To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.