Obituary: Ronald L. Rivard, 76, of Prospect

Obituary of Ron Rivard courtesy of Prospect Memorial Funeral Home

Ron Rivard

1944 - 2020

PROSPECT, CT - Ronald L. Rivard, 76, of Prospect, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, December 4, 2020. Ronald was born on Oct. 15, 1944 in Milford, CT, son of the late Nelson and Ethel (Haines) Rivard.

Ronald graduated from Milford High School and University of New Haven with a Bachelor of Science degree, while there he played on the school’s baseball and football teams. He worked as the Manufacturing Manager for Nickson Industries of Plainville CT for 40 years.

Ron was very involved with his beloved Prospect Congregational Church UCC. He served over the years on the Christian Education, Stewardship, and Hospitality Committees, the Mission Board, and was the church Moderator for several years.

Ron loved working with young people and coached a Little League team in the 80’s and led as Adult Advisor for the church Pilgrim Fellowship Youth Group for many years.

Ron had a wide variety of interests in his life. He loved traveling and camping in the western U.S. and the Canadian Maritimes learning more about native cultures. More recently he enjoyed visits to friends in Florida for Gulf-fried shrimp with Mary and Harry. He supported live theater and enjoyed years of productions at Seven Angels Theater in Waterbury and the Hartford Stage Co. He was also known to round up his friends at his church several times to put on plays he wrote, staged and directed in the church basement. He always said any relationship between his script and the actual lines spoken was purely coincidental.

Ron was always ready to instigate a competition of volleyball, badminton or bocce at backyard picnics or board games at family gatherings. He enjoyed golfing and softball with his buddies Charlie and Bob. He was a player for several years on the winning Yankees team of the Senior Softball League in Wallingford. Ron loved his family and the family of his longtime companion Lois and looked forward to the many holiday dinners and cookouts with them.

Ronald is survived by his brothers Russell Rivard of Meriden, and Ray Rivard of Clinton, his sister-in-law Susan Rivard of West Hartford, nephew Ryan Rivard of Mass, and niece Shelley Greer. Also left to mourn his passing is Lois Van Wagner of Prospect who brought love and joy to his life for 38 years.

He was predeceased by his brother Robin Rivard and sister Shelley Chace. There are no services at this time due to current pandemic.

Prospect Memorial Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Ron’s family with funeral arrangements. Please visit www.prospectmemorial.com. To extend an online condolence for Ron’s family.