Ronald H. Rej

Ronald H. Rej, age 78, died peacefully after a brief illness on Monday, October 7, 2024, with loving family by his side.  He leaves behind his beloved wife of 53 years, Carol (King) Rej, and their two children: Michael H. Rej, and his partner Kimberlee Sawka, and Tanya L. Rej and her partner Jennifer Schmidt. 

Ronnie was born in Northbridge, MA on July 11th, 1946, to the late Henry Rej (1916-1959) and Wanda (Ozog) Rej (1915-1979).  He was a graduate of Northbridge High School in 1965, Boys Trade School and East Coast Aerotech.  He worked at Harlan Merchandising for 4 years prior to employment with Horizon Beverage from where he retired in 2010 after a 38-year career as a liquor salesman.  In addition, Ronnie proudly served as a member of the Army National Guard.

To capture the essence of Ronnie in just a few short paragraphs is all but impossible.  His generosity, kindness and tremendous sense of humor defined his character.  He was passionate about his family and took pride in hosting a large Rej family reunion each summer for many years.  He was a loving and devoted father when it came to supporting and cheering on his children in all areas of their lives.   He was proud of his Polish heritage and shared beloved recipes and traditions that took center stage each year during an annual Polish Easter Celebration.  Ronnie also kept in touch with a dear and close-knit group of friends from work known as the Dinosaur Club.

Ronnie loved adventures and traveling- he traveled frequently to Aruba with Carol and also spent a lot of time in his beloved White Mountains of New Hampshire, his “home away from home” where he had a large and loving group of “chosen family” and friends who adored him.  Most recently Ronnie and Carol took the trip of lifetime to the wilds of Alaska to experience its unparalleled beauty.  Ronnie was a master “putterer” and loved nothing more than working on home improvement projects at the cherished home he grew up in and lived in for his entire life.   Lastly, he was a diehard Indianapolis Colts fan and wore their blue and white colors with pride.

To say he will be missed is an understatement.

Ronnie was a long-time member of Saint Peter’s Parish in Northbridge.  Calling hours will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 10:30-12:30PM at Carr Funeral Home, followed by a funeral Mass at 1PM at Saint Peter’s Parish, 39 Church Ave., Northbridge.   A private burial will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Saint Peter’s Parish, PO Box 446, Northbridge, MA 01534 - both organizations that Ronnie supported with a passion.

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