Ron, a loving brother, uncle, and friend to many, passed away peacefully in his home at The Methuen Village on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at the age of 76. Ron overcame developmental challenges to live a beautiful life, filled with family, friendship, hobbies, and achievements.
The oldest of three children, “Ronnie” was born in Salem, MA to the late Frank and Eunice (Ouellette) Leosz. Eunice tirelessly advocated for Ron’s inclusion as an active, working member of the community. For 49 years, he worked at Northeast Arc’s Heritage Caning Company as a chair weaving artisan, restoring countless antique chairs, and making lifelong friendships with his colleagues and caring manager, Melissa Dulude. In his younger years, he enjoyed swimming in the Special Olympics, where he won numerous medals for his achievements.
For most of his adult life, Ron lived with his parents and sister Kathy Leosz, who became his primary caregiver after his beloved mother’s passing. Ron and Kathy were inseparable, and enjoyed spending time with friends and family in the Salem area. They especially loved Salem Willows Park, catching a “show” at the cinema with their friend Joyce, and dining with lifelong friends. They shared a bond unbroken by Kathy’s death in 2017.
Ron later lived with his devoted brother David Leosz and his wife Ruth in Salem, NH. In the final years of his life, he resided at the Methuen Village assisted living facility where he enjoyed the experience of independent living for the first time. Ron made friends with many neighbors, nurses, and aides. He loved helping his friend Joanne manage the Village country store, and was never late for a meal with his dining hall companions. He also enjoyed attending Fellowship Bible Church with his brother, where he made many new friends.
Ron spent much of his free time enjoying movies and listening to his favorite musicians: The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Elvis. He also enjoyed live performances — including many piano concerts over the years from his niece, Heather. Ron loved watching baseball, viewing countless Red Sox games in his life and amassing an impressive collection of Sox memorabilia. Other hobbies included solving puzzles, word searches, and making art for his loved ones.
Ron will be remembered as the “unofficial mayor” at gatherings, greeting family and friends with big smiles, hugs, and conversation. He doted on his nieces and nephew, relished the holidays (especially the meals), and looked forward to the annual Terry-Ouellette family cookout hosted by his cousin Mark Terry and his wife Maryann. He greatly appreciated cards and gifts from his friends and family members – especially his cousin Karen.
Ron’s caregiver and brother David and wife Ruth deeply mourn his passing. David shared a deep bond with Ron, especially in the final years of his life. David, Ruth, and Ron enjoyed spending time together on outings, attending church, afternoons at the beach, cookouts at their home, and outdoor concerts in the summer.
It is impossible for the Leosz family to fully express the depths of gratitude felt for the many extended family members, friends, neighbors, and community members that touched Ron’s life. Many have come and gone before, and he never forgot their love and kindness. He will be remembered for his warmth, gregarious nature, good humor, bravery, and resilience in the face of challenges and change. Ron’s life was a tremendous gift for those who were fortunate to know him, and his joyful and curious spirit will live on in their memories.
Surviving family include brother David and wife Ruth (Dugan) Leosz, his nieces Erin and Heather Leosz, and nephew Brian Leosz.
The family invites Ron’s loved ones to attend calling hours on Friday from 10 am to 12 pm at Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970, followed by a brief service at noon. Ron will be laid to rest alongside his mother, father, and sister at Greenlawn Cemetery in Salem, MA. In place of flowers, please donate in Ron’s memory to Northeast Arc in Danvers, MA. Ron’s family is deeply grateful to Northeast Arc for decades of service providing opportunities to individuals of varied abilities and enriching Ron’s life. Donations can be made at: ne-arc.org/get-involved/donate. For guestbook and to send a condolence, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com .
The oldest of three children, “Ronnie” was born in Salem, MA to the late Frank and Eunice (Ouellette) Leosz. Eunice tirelessly advocated for Ron’s inclusion as an active, working member of the community. For 49 years, he worked at Northeast Arc’s Heritage Caning Company as a chair weaving artisan, restoring countless antique chairs, and making lifelong friendships with his colleagues and caring manager, Melissa Dulude. In his younger years, he enjoyed swimming in the Special Olympics, where he won numerous medals for his achievements.
For most of his adult life, Ron lived with his parents and sister Kathy Leosz, who became his primary caregiver after his beloved mother’s passing. Ron and Kathy were inseparable, and enjoyed spending time with friends and family in the Salem area. They especially loved Salem Willows Park, catching a “show” at the cinema with their friend Joyce, and dining with lifelong friends. They shared a bond unbroken by Kathy’s death in 2017.
Ron later lived with his devoted brother David Leosz and his wife Ruth in Salem, NH. In the final years of his life, he resided at the Methuen Village assisted living facility where he enjoyed the experience of independent living for the first time. Ron made friends with many neighbors, nurses, and aides. He loved helping his friend Joanne manage the Village country store, and was never late for a meal with his dining hall companions. He also enjoyed attending Fellowship Bible Church with his brother, where he made many new friends.
Ron spent much of his free time enjoying movies and listening to his favorite musicians: The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Elvis. He also enjoyed live performances — including many piano concerts over the years from his niece, Heather. Ron loved watching baseball, viewing countless Red Sox games in his life and amassing an impressive collection of Sox memorabilia. Other hobbies included solving puzzles, word searches, and making art for his loved ones.
Ron will be remembered as the “unofficial mayor” at gatherings, greeting family and friends with big smiles, hugs, and conversation. He doted on his nieces and nephew, relished the holidays (especially the meals), and looked forward to the annual Terry-Ouellette family cookout hosted by his cousin Mark Terry and his wife Maryann. He greatly appreciated cards and gifts from his friends and family members – especially his cousin Karen.
Ron’s caregiver and brother David and wife Ruth deeply mourn his passing. David shared a deep bond with Ron, especially in the final years of his life. David, Ruth, and Ron enjoyed spending time together on outings, attending church, afternoons at the beach, cookouts at their home, and outdoor concerts in the summer.
It is impossible for the Leosz family to fully express the depths of gratitude felt for the many extended family members, friends, neighbors, and community members that touched Ron’s life. Many have come and gone before, and he never forgot their love and kindness. He will be remembered for his warmth, gregarious nature, good humor, bravery, and resilience in the face of challenges and change. Ron’s life was a tremendous gift for those who were fortunate to know him, and his joyful and curious spirit will live on in their memories.
Surviving family include brother David and wife Ruth (Dugan) Leosz, his nieces Erin and Heather Leosz, and nephew Brian Leosz.
The family invites Ron’s loved ones to attend calling hours on Friday from 10 am to 12 pm at Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970, followed by a brief service at noon. Ron will be laid to rest alongside his mother, father, and sister at Greenlawn Cemetery in Salem, MA. In place of flowers, please donate in Ron’s memory to Northeast Arc in Danvers, MA. Ron’s family is deeply grateful to Northeast Arc for decades of service providing opportunities to individuals of varied abilities and enriching Ron’s life. Donations can be made at: ne-arc.org/get-involved/donate. For guestbook and to send a condolence, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com .
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