Freetown - Ronald D. Lyonnais, 70, peacefully passed away at his home, on Saturday,
November 28, 2020, after a courageous 11 year battle with cancer.
Born in New Bedford to the late Antonio Lyonnais and Irene (Soucy) Lyonnais on
August 18, 1950, Ron is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Margaret (Andrade)
Lyonnais; his daughter Sherrie (Lyonnais) McNamara and her husband Thomas
McNamara of Rutland; his son James Lyonnais and his wife Andrea (Couey) Lyonnais of
East Sandwich; five cherished grandchildren, Belle, Riley, Noah, Jayden, and Paxton - the
lights of his life; two brothers, George Lyonnais of Las Vegas, Nevada and David Lyonnais
of Livermore, California; two sisters, Jacqueline Lyonnais of Sacramento, California and
Linda (Lyonnais) Barone of Pocasset. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by
his sister, Vivian (Lyonnais) Casey.
Ron graduated from Holy Family High School, RETS Electronic School in Boston,
and earned an Associates Degree from Massasoit Community College. He served in the
Army Reserves from 1970-1976. His loyalty and work ethic was evidenced by his 39
years of employment in special services at the Phone Company/Verizon.
Ron grew up in a musical family and had a passion for music from an early age.
He was a drummer and vocalist of ‘The Coastals’ for 25 years with his buddies Alan, Bob,
and Howie. He found great joy in listening to his granddaughter’s performances and
original songs, and playing the piano or drums with his grandsons.
An active parishioner of St. John Neumann Church in East Freetown, Ron will
affectionaly be remembered as the “Lobster Man” selling tickets at the annual parish
festival. He was also a member of the YMCA and the Livestrong Program.
Working with his hands was a passion for Ron, whether it be in his yard, painting,
or other home improvement projects. He was forever willing to lend a helping hand to
family and friends alike. Ron’s abundance of love, his many kindnesses, his selflessness,
and gentle ways shall be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ron enjoyed traveling but his greatest love was his family. You could find him
driving to Cape Cod to watch his grandsons play soccer or baseball, to Rutand for a
concert or volleyball game, babysitting every Thursday, or jumping off a rock into the
sparkling ocean, “On 3...1, 2, 3!”. Ron’s legacy as a hard working, selfless, caring, gentle
man, and a loving husband, son, father and “Puppa” will shine brightly in the lives of his
family.
The family wishes to express its gratitude and deep appreciation to the wonderful
care provided by his doctors and nurses at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center,
especially Dr. Bubley, Dr. K, and Dr. Andreas, as well as the Hospice Care from South
Coast VNA.
Due to the global pandemic, there will be no services at this time. A Celebration
of Life is planned for a later date. When it is safe, we will honor Ron’s life at St. John
Neumann Church and picture him in Neumann Hall trying to decide which doughnut is
Boston Cream and which is lemon, crossing our fingers that it’s Boston Cream!
Contributions in Ron’s memory may be made to BIDMC Prostate Cancer Research Fund
in care of Dr. Glen Bubley, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.