Ronald C. Stanton, Sr., 84, a lifelong resident of Worcester, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at home.

Ronald was born in Worcester on December 7, 1932, one of two sons to the late George F.A and Mary H. (Gargolinski) Stanton.  He was a graduate of Commerce High School and later received a certification in artistry from the Worcester Art Museum.

Ronald was a member of the United States Air Force where he served his country with honor and courage during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953 and was the proud recipient of the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.  After his tour of duty, Ronald began working as a slitter operator for T.J. Rafferty and Company for over 25 years retiring when the factory closed in the 1980s.  Shortly after he opened and operated Shepard Sign Company.

Ronald was a Worcester weightlifter, enjoyed drawing, fishing, playing cribbage and the “occasional” scratch ticket. He was an avid reader of Stephen King novels and loved horror movies and Disney classics. He was also a huge New England Sports Fan especially the Boston Red Sox and was a baseball coach for many years for Shea’s Club.

Ronald is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, RoseMarie D. (Zona) Stanton; his son, Ronald C. Stanton, Jr. and his wife Tracey of Worcester; three daughters, Roseann Brindisi and her husband Dominic, and Rachael Rossi and her husband Alan all of Worcester, Patricia Saladyga and her husband Greg of Gilbertville; twelve grandchildren, Jason Brindisi, Derek Brindisi and his wife Kimberly, Ryan Brindisi, Taryn Rossi and her significant other Shawn Cassidy, Samantha Rossi and her significant other Keith Anyon, Matthew Rossi and his wife Carolyn, James Maguire, Jessica Baillergeon and her husband William, Nicole Belliveau and her fiancé Derek Tyler, Kyle Belliveau and his wife Cameo, Briana Vermette and her husband Carl and Taylor Saladyga and her fiancé Travis Dumais; twelve great grandchildren, Dante, Olivia and Domenic Brindisi, Santino Candela, Logan Brindisi, Ella Cassidy, Jack Rossi, Charlotte Anyon, Mycala and Gabriel Leveille, Riley Belliveau and Ayden Tanona; many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his daughter, Donna Marie Stanton, a brother, George Stanton and a sister, Dolores Brigham.

Services for Ronald will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln St., Worcester.  Burial where military honors will be presented; will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.  Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Monday, April 3rd from 4-7 p.m. in the funeral home.  In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that you kindly consider making donations in memory of Ronald to: Summit Eldercare.