Joseph Ronald “Ronnie” Bourgoin, 82, of Bristol, went home to be with the Lord on April 20 surrounded by his loving family. Ron was a son of the late Elisee and Laurette (Rioux) Bourgoin and a devoted and cherished husband to Anne Marie “Chickie” Vono for 51 years until her passing in 2014.

Together they raised three daughters: Cindy, predeceased in 1980, Lisa Ayotte, and Rhonda “Boo” Pilkington. He also leaves behind his sons-in-law: Craig Ayotte and John Pilkington; and the apples of his eyes, granddaughters: Kate, Alyssa, and Haley, who to them he was affectionately known as Poppi. He was predeceased by a brother: Florian Bourgoin; and a sister: Sonia Bourgoin. He is survived by siblings: Maurice, Louie, and Alain Bourgoin, Valdora Morin, Jacinthe “Cricket” Rimbach, and Anne-Marie Bourgoin Lechner, as well as companion, Rachel Dionne.

Born and raised in Grand Falls, Canada, he came to the States after serving in the Canadian Army to create a better life. While he was always proud of his Canadian heritage and would still call Canada home, he was honored to become a US citizen in 2008. He joined the Carpenter’s Union and spent over 40 years mastering his beloved woodworking craft. He was best known for his boards and bowls that now reside in the homes of those he loved. 

Service was a pillar of Ron’s life. He was privileged to serve as a member of the Rifle Honor Guard team for the American Legion Seicheprey Post 2, and you could often find him sporting his uniform following memorials. He was also a member of the Korean War Veterans Association and the Franco-American War Veterans. 

A man of faith, he was very involved in his church. He spent many devoted moments of his life serving St. Ann Church and the greater Bristol community. He was a known name to many, and if you were lucky to cross Ron’s path, you had a friend in him for life.

The family wishes to give heartfelt thanks to John Dempsey Hospital at UConn Health.

Those who wish to pay their respects can visit Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, on Wednesday, April 26, between 4 and 7 p.m. Ron’s funeral will be held on Thursday, April 27, at St. Ann Church, 215 West St., Bristol, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to either the Bristol Veterans Council, PO Box 2634, Bristol, CT 06011-2634, or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 20 Batterson Park Rd., 3rd Floor, Farmington, CT 06032.

Please visit Ron’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.