Ronald J. Fryer, 85

Ronald Fryer

Ronald Jean “Ron” Fryer, 85, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at his home in South Bridgton. He died of complications of Alzheimer’s disease. At his transition, he was surrounded by his family, and he was facing the view of Bald Pate Mountain that he loved so well.

Ron was born on Sept. 8, 1933, in New Bedford, Mass., to Donald and Annette (Teillere) Fryer. He graduated from New Bedford High School before attending New Bedford Textile Institute (now part of Southeastern Massachusetts University), graduating with a degree in Textile Chemistry in 1955.

He married Frances Therese Muldoon, of Fairhaven, Mass., on Nov. 20, 1954. At the time of his passing, Ron and Fran had been married for more than 64 years.

After training in the Manhattan lab of Sandoz Chemical Company in 1955–56 (during which time their first two children, Glenn and Mark, were born in New Jersey), Ron accepted a technical sales position in the south. In 1957, the growing Fryer family relocated to Tennessee, where James and Karryn were born.

In 1965, the Fryers returned home to Massachusetts, settling in Westborough, where their youngest child, Christopher, was born.

Ron gifted two wonderful activities to his family: skiing and sailing. During their years in Massachusetts, winter weekends were spent on the slopes of Mount Wachusett and Mount Watatic, and the rest of the year was devoted to their sloop Friary in Padanaram harbor (South Dartmouth, Mass.).

In 1979, Ron and Fran made their move north, fulfilling a long-held dream. They purchased a magnificent old farmhouse on Fosterville Road from Norman Towne. Ron continued his work life on the road, and a new sailboat in Penobscot Bay succeeded Friary. For the past 40 years, Ron and Fran’s home in South Bridgton has been the spiritual center for the Fryer family. When Ron retired in 1995, he began using his business skills in service of environmental causes, most importantly Loon Echo Land Trust, where he eventually served as Director of the Board. He also served on the Bridgton Zoning Board of Appeals.

Ron is fondly remembered for his sense of humor, dedication to books and learning, love of the outdoors, and devotion to his family.

Ron is survived by his wife, Fran; his children, Glenn, Jim, Karrryn and Chris; his brothers, Donald and Scott; his sister Jane; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son, Mark.

In lieu of flowers, Ron’s family requests that donations be made to the Bridgton Public Library and Loon Echo Land Trust.

A private memorial celebration is being planned.