Ronald E. Daniels
1922-2012

WEST SPRINGFIELD-At 11:35pm on July 12, 2012, Ronald Edward Daniels was released from his Earthly pain and was joyously reunited with the love of his life, his precious wife Anita. Ron was born on June 30, 1922 in Bancroft MA to the late George Daniels and Hazel Webb Daniels. A child of the Depression, he worked hard to help support his family which resulted in him never completing his formal education. Though he never graduated, Ron was a brilliant man, eager to learn and quick to master all challenges. On February 24, 1940, he married Anita Grenon and they began their life togther, a marriage that spanned 62 years until Anita's death on July 17, 2002. After a brief time in the Navy, he settled into a life time career as a machinist with Wico Electric and received awards for heat treating methods he developed to support the war effort. He kept a scratch pad and pencil in his tool box and covered its pages with calculations, always working to improve the quality of the materials sent to our Troops. In 1946, with a growing family, he and Anita purchased their home by the dry bridge on Rt. 20 and it quickly became the safe haven for family and friends returning from WWII. Tragedy struck in 1963 when Little Ronnie died from complications of a congenital heart defect just days before he was scheduled to have corrective surgery. Heart broken but determined to make a good life for his family, Ron took on the job of Superintendant of Paucatuck Cemetery in addition to his full time job at Wico. It was a labor of love. Ron kept the grounds meticulously groomed and Anita maintained the records as the cemetery expanded. It was a job he loved and faithfully performed until failing health forced his retirement. Ron's career at Wico ended after 38 years when the company was sold and operations were moved to Alabama. Ron worked for Preferred in Westfield before securing a job at Leybold in Enfield where he astonished engineers with his sharp mind and machining methods. Only a near fatal heart attack could force Ron to retire and he turned his energy to his garden, growing the most fabulous vegetables for family and friends. He and Anita shared their bounty with many a homeless, hungry soul who knocked at their door, asking for food as they walked the long miles of Rt 20 searching for a new life. They would leave with vegetables to fill their stomachs and words of encouragement to strengthen their souls. Ron also grew and tended the loveliest of roses for his Anita, filling the front yard with their beauty. After Anita's death, many thought he would quickly follow her, but he soldiered on for 10 years, filling his days with "keeping the politicians honest" and fulfilling his dream of "fixing up the old place" . He engaged in heated battles with the Town and State, fighting to preserve the neighborhood from the unwelcome intrusion of businesses that he felt would negatively impact the quality of life for the surrounding homes. The recently begun construction on Rt 20 was a hot topic, but always the gentleman, he graciously allowed the work trucks to enter and exit the site through the yard after it was determined that the right of way was impassible to heavy vehicles. Exhausted and in pain, he was still greeting the workers with a smile and a wave. On June 30, he celebrated his 90th birthday in the company of family and dear friends, enjoying his grandson, Brady's grilling skills and the delicious dishes brought by his guests. Kathy's careful planning and tireless attention allowed Ron to spend the entire day outside and he received his guests from the comfort of his trusty scooter. It was a long, happy day of fellowship. food and shared memories. It was to be his final good bye to many as his health declined rapidly in the following days. When he was no longer able to get up, he was lovingly cared for by his children, grand children, friends and church family. Those who were too far away to be at his side called to express their love and respect and sent a wave of prayers up to carry him Home. Unable to speak, he still did his best to respond to their voices. In the stillness of the evening of the 12th, with his beloved Kathleen and Brady beside him, he passed peacefully in his sleep, crossing the Sunshine Island bridge to join hands with Anita, Pudge and Billy Joe. So ended the life on Earth of an amazing man, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Master Mason, Shriner, Veteran, Philosopher, Friend and Mentor to so many. He leaves his children, Eileen Russo(Ricky), Lee Daniels(Debi), Lynn Rider(Gary), Kathleen Daniels, Gail Daniels(Michael Kahofer) and Joann Palmer(Rick) and the children of his heart, Michael Daniels, Christine Daniels, Ken Brown and Laurie Aldrich. His beloved grand children, Amber, Nate, Katie, Tina, Miranda, Brady, Tony and Jerry and 8 great grand children. On July18 at 11:00am a private service will be held at Paucatuck Cemetery, followed by family and friends gathering for fellowship at the West Springfield United Methodist Church. Donations may be made to Shriner's Hospital or the West Springfield United Methodist Church. Curran-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences please visit curranjones.com.