Ronald Powers

Ronald J. Powers, 91, passed away on December 19, 2018 in the comfort of his home.  He was born in Northampton on July 7, 1927.  The son of Raymond W. and Laura (Bernier) Powers.  The family moved to Greenfield when he was 5 years old.  He attended Greenfield schools and was a graduate of Greenfield High School class of 1945.

Upon Graduation he entered the Army where he served with the 25th “Lightning” division headquarters battery in Nara, Japan attaining the rank of SGT. T/4 where he served until his discharge in 1947.  He was also a member of inactive naval reserve for a short period following his Army service.

After discharge, he worked at Eastman Kodak Co. in Rochester, NY.  Then as an autobody repairman for Murray Hall Inc. of Greenfield.  Other occupations included 7 years for G.E. Ainsworth Surveyors of South Deerfield attaining a crew chief status while employed there.

In September of 1961, Ron was appointed a permanent member of the Greenfield Fire Department. He served as temporary Captain for a short period. Later, in 1978, he was appointed Deputy Chief until his retirement in 1981.

On his days off from the fire department, he worked for William Koncal a contractor building numerous houses and remodels.  In later years for his brother at Cowan Auto Supply in Greenfield.

On retirement from the fire department he and his wife Francese moved to Dunedin, FL residing there for 16 years and returned to Massachusetts in 1999 residing in Turners Falls.

He was a past member of the Greenfield Y’s Men’s Club and the American Legion. 

Ron presently was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #417 in Greenfield plus the Elks Club and Loyal Order of Moose. 

He enjoyed golfing, oil painting, camping and his family.

Ron was predeceased by his loving wife Francese in March of 2013, his sister Evelyn Smith in 1973, his sister Eleanor Arial in 1997 and his grandson Connor in 2017.  

Among his survivors Ron leaves his daughter Diane Murley of Turners Falls, his son Mark Powers and wife Tammie of Colrain, Grandson Kyle Powers of Colrain, brother William J. Powers and wife Mary of Turners Falls, plus several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He also leaves his beloved dog Bandit, his constant companion for the past 2 years.

A Liturgy of Christian burial will be held Saturday December 29 at 11:00am at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with full Military Honor’s provide by the US Army assisted by the Northfield VFW Post 9874 with a firing detail. Also participating will be an Honor Guard from the Greenfield  Fire Department. Calling hours will be from 8:30am-10:30am at Kostanski Funeral Home, 1 Kostanski Square Turners Falls.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to Hospice of Franklin County 329 Conway St., Suite 2, Greenfield, MA. 01301 or Connor Strong Memorial Scholarship C/O Franklin County Technical School, 82 Industrial Blvd., Turners Falls, MA 01376

For Condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com

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