Marshall A. Ronco, 72, of Westport, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026 at Charlton Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Elsa R. (Burlas) Ronco.
Marshall was born in Brockton, and was the son of the late Gordon S. Ronco and the late Phyllis (Marshall) Ronco. He was a lifelong resident of Westport, Massachusetts. Marshall graduated from Westport High School in 1972, and from Bristol Community College with an associate’s degree in law enforcement in 1975.
Marshall enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1972 and served as active duty and in the U.S. Army Reserve CID through 1978. He joined the Westport Police Department and served a long and admirable career until his retirement as a Senior Patrolman in 2011. During his tenure, he earned recognition as a sharpshooter and served as the Westport Police Department's D.A.R.E. liaison to Westport High School. Throughout his career, Marshall also worked for a period of time for Justin Photography, Curtis Specialty Insulation and Zayre Department Store, though law enforcement was always his true calling.
Following retirement, Marshall continued to serve the law enforcement community as a certified LEOSA instructor. He also joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary for many years and held various positions, including Flotilla and Division Commander and District Captain. Marshall was also very active in his church community at St. John the Baptist and served as the Director of Liturgy.
Marshall enjoyed many hobbies, but as a true Westport native, he especially loved boating and cruising along the Westport River. He enjoyed tinkering in his workshop and could fix just about anything. Marshall loved John Wayne Westerns, MASH, Gunsmoke and Star Trek. He also had a great love of adventures and driving aimlessly or as he called it, “going crazy”. Marshall loved traveling and spending time with his family, and grand-dogs, Narra, Lilo, Luna and the late Moosie.
Marshall leaves behind his wife, Elsa, of 24 years. He is also survived by his three daughters, Rachel (Ronco) King and her husband Mike King, Michelle A. (Ronco) Nunes and her partner John E. Oliveira, Katreena D. Burlas and her partner Tim N. O’Connor, his sister, Marjorie “Fran” Parker and her husband William “Bill” Parker, his nephew, Tom Parkman and his wife Allison Parkman, and his cherished granddaughters, Sophia King, Lily King and Bella Nunes. He is also survived by many extended family members.
In addition to his parents, Marshall was predeceased by his sister, Denise Ronco.
Marshall will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to public service and his faith, and the deep devotion he had for his family. His steady presence, quick wit and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Potter Funeral Home in Westport, MA.
Funeral will be Friday, July 17, 2026 from the Potter Funeral Home at 9:00 A.M. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M. at St. John the Baptist Church, 945 Main Road, Westport, MA.
Interment will be private.