Joe died at the age of 22 from a senseless act of violence in his family home on August 15th, 2011. He will be known for his big smile, sense of humor and his ability to make people feel good about themselves. He left his father, mother, his older sister, many family members and friends.
Joe had a fondness for animals. He had recently adopted 2 cats, brought them home to his family because he knew they would be loved and nurtured. It was rare not to see him at home walking around without a cat in his arms. Joe also loved children. When he delivered pizza he always took time out to talk to the children so they were excited when he came to their door with their delivery.
Ice hockey was a passion of Joe’s. He learned to skate at age 2 and never stopped. Joe was a former captain of the Reading Memorial High School varsity hockey team in 2007, an avid golfer, fisherman and an active member in the Reading community. He was the recipient of the Unsung Hero Award. He went on to play a post graduate year of hockey at Worcester Academy and later captained the hockey team at Middlesex Community College. He made his teammates feel good about themselves no matter the circumstance – win or lose, his actions were always and undoubtedly for the team.
He was scheduled to leave for Camp Lejeune to serve in the United States Marine Corp. but was taken away from this earth four weeks before going along with his dream to serve our country and make his family proud.
Though his passing was a tragic loss for his family and friends, the death of Joe Ronan showed the influential and positive impact he made on the lives of everyone he met.