CHICOPEE – Ronald A. Shunaman, 88, a 28 year resident of the Willimansett section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Sunday, February 15, 2026. He passed into Eternal Life at his home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on March 18, 1937, a beloved son of the late Albert W. and Helen E. (Hopkins) Shunaman. He was raised and educated in Leominster, he lived in Palmer, then Ware and moved to Chicopee in 1997 where he lived the remainder of his life. He served his country during the Korean War as a Private First Class in the United States Army. He furthered his military career in the Army National Guard serving for 40 years and mustered out of the service in 1997 retiring with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. He was a member of the VFW Post 275 in Chicopee. He was an avid fisherman and most especially enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. He leaves his beloved wife and soul mate, Gail E. (Tanguay) Shunaman. They were married on May 2, 1993 and were blessed with over 32 years of happiness together. He also leaves his eight loving and devoted children, Wayne D. Ramsey and his wife, Lynne, of Wilbraham, Raymond A. Shunaman and his wife, Linda, of Brimfield, Pamela J. Korzec and her husband, Daniel, of West Warren, Ronald A. Shunaman, Jr., and his wife, Pam, of Hardwick, Lisa A. Carson and her partner, Kevin Hardin, of Ayer, Albert W. Shunaman and his wife, MaryAnn, of Southbridge, Brian K. Shunaman and his wife, Dawn, of Agawam, and Jeremie E. Kadzik and his wife, Christina, of Huntington; his 13 cherished grandchildren, Vicky, Joseph, Nicholas, Jason, Lauren, Brianna, Brendan, Amber, Darrian, Katie, Bella, Matthew, and Elizabeth; his four cherished great grandchildren; his dear brother-in-law, Mike Clark of Charlton; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his dear sister, Carole Clark. His relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020 (funeral home will open at 8:30 a.m.). His Committal Service with United States Army Military Honors will follow the Celebration of Life Service at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The funeral home parking lot and main entrance are located in the rear at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the Veterans’ Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
