***To view the memorial video, please click on "Tribute Wall".*** Ronald R. "Ronnie" Ghelfi, 84, passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at the VA Brockton Hospital. Ronnie was born in Brockton, Ma to Primo & Katherine (DiMeo) Ghelfi on August 27, 1937. Bridgewater born & bred he grew up at 54 Ball ave in Bridgewater, Ma. with his brother Richard P. (Red) Ghelfi. He spent a lot of his childhood fishing with his father Primo at the canal and other hot spots. Ronnie loved fishing! He really enjoyed spending time with his mom, dad, and brother. His father Primo was one of 7 brothers Antonio, Charles, Mario, Joseph, Albert & Louis. Katherine was one of 5 sisters Jennie, Annie, Edith & Louise & 3 brothers Alfonso, Joseph & Alfred. Ronnie's family was very large with numerous cousins, the family get-togethers could have filled a church! So many great memories from both sides. Later on in high school, he played football mostly but basketball, glee club, dance club also interests of Ronnie. He loved to dance and boy could he cut the rug! Double dating with his cousin Joan to the prom. After graduation in 1955, he enlisted in the US Army Corps stationed at Fort Devens. From there he was on his way overseas to Germany to serve for approximately 19 months. One evening sitting at one of the clubs in Germany, who walks in but Elvis himself! Ronnie talked with the king for a few minutes or so but then it was over as fast as it started. Then he would ride the train on his leave (sometimes) to visit Copenhagen for a night of dancing with his buddies. He then met Ruth Jensen and they fell in love and got married July 8, 1958. Upon their return to the states, they Americanized their wedding. Living at Ball ave for a short time then moving to Stanley. Beginning a new life and starting his own family. He worked at Bay state ice cream for many years bringing home plenty of ice cream for his family and especially his dad who loved it! They had their firstborn Deborah Ann 1959 then Diane Leigh 1960. Then circa 1960 moving to 77 Crapo st. with his wife and 2 daughters Ron & Ruth were in their first house. He, with a lot of help, dug out an in-ground pool by hand and concreted it for everyone to enjoy. WOW! He planted gardens and grapevines all over the property true Italian heritage. In 1968 they had their only son Stephan Ronald. In 1972 they moved up the hill to 226 Main St. Purchasing the home was only the beginning, the couple poured their heart and soul into this house and renovated it into a 3 family. Ronnie then began working as a self-employed home improvement contractor for most of his years 35 or so. He would then spend many years camping with his family & the Old Colony camping group. Where he met many friends that would last a lifetime. The Coelho's, The Marino's & The Keyes' to name a few. He also enjoyed bowling with Ruthie & friends at Maple lanes in Brockton on Friday nights in a league. Ronnie's real passion was Playing 45, at the Lincoln Club and the vets Club, but he loved card games of every sort. Let's not forget Keno at Ron Emma's. Foxwoods, Mohegan (you get the point). Ronnie was fortunate enough to be able to bring his parents to Vegas, Atlantic City as well as Disney world before they passed. In 1995-96 he worked under David Canepa & Ron Adams for the town of Bridgewater as Coordinator of town buildings. Ronnie & coworker Bill Labossiere (also a vet) accomplished many tasks and projects throughout the town. Playing golf was another sport he enjoyed having a lot of laughs playing practical jokes with his family, coworkers and his golfing buddies at Scotland links and many courses in the area. Ronnie retired in Buzzards bay on Monarch st. There he met even more people and made some new friends to play cards with and help out in any way he could. He spent a lot of time helping his son improving his home including vinyl siding, building sheds renovations what have you, Ron could do it all and was happy to help all his children in any way he could. Ron was a strict father growing up but fair, he always wanted to know where you were and inform you to "stay out of trouble"! He taught all his kids how to drive, some better than others, as well as tricks of the trades he learned in his many years of experience, and countless card games! What Ron taught his kids were life lessons that would stay with them forever, and he loved each one the same. They all wanted to spend time with him as much as they could, whether it was playing cards or making tortellini's or just hanging outside basking in the sun enjoying his grandchildren and each other's company. Ronnie will be missed by the many lives he's touched in his 84+ years, but most of all by the ones who loved him, His son and daughters. Dad, we'll miss you endlessly always thinking of you and how you were there for us when we needed you. Our love will never diminish, it is eternal. As yours for us. May you rest in peace in paradise with your Mom & Dad, Ruth, Kristina, Heather and all your aunts, uncles & cousins from the past. Ronald leaves behind his brother Richard (Red) of East Bridgewater and his children Faith, Susan & Richard Jr.(predeceased) His son Stephan (Steffen) his wife Lisa (Adduci) their kids Kirsten & Brett. His daughter Diane Resener her children Erik Hammer, Kaitlyn Resener & Kristina Hammer (predeceased) and her father Charles Hammer. Deborah Treacy her children Nicole Mann, Heather Mann (predeceased) and their father William Mann, Debs husband Bob Treacy and their daughter Macayla. Many countless cousins including the remaining Ghelfi's, Holicks, DiMeo's, Resmini's, Denton's, Feriolis, Pratti's, Starr's, Shepard's Levy's, Scopa's & Rosa's. Following cremation, interment will be held in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne with Military Honors on Monday, May 23rd at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers please donate to Dana Farber cancer research institute or the veteran's foundation https://www.dana-farber.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/ https://www.vfw.org/foundation