Ronald E. Faford

Ronald E. Faford, beloved husband and cherished father and grandfather passed away peacefully at his home on May 18, 2024, at the age of 83.  His family was the most important thing in his life, and he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to ensuring their happiness and well-being.

Born on February 5, 1941, to the late Francis and Viola (Sabourin) Faford, Ron grew up with a strong sense of family values.  He was the loving husband of 60 years to Nancy (VanGorden) Faford, devoted father to Michael Faford and his wife Michelle and Kimberly Gould and her husband Harding, and doting grandfather to Kaitlyn Gould, and Stephen and Christopher Faford.  He also leaves behind his siblings Joan Torinese, Eunice Ewen and her husband Russell, Richard Faford and his wife Eileen, Karen Rainville and her husband Robert, his youngest sister Dianne Liard, and his sister-in-law Gail VanGorden.  He was preceded in death by his siblings Rita Kent, Francis Faford, and Eileen Merchant.

Ron worked for McCormick Spice Company as a Sales and Marketing representative for many years.  He loved visiting the different stores he serviced and talking with each person he met.  He was a people person who loved to joke and laugh with family, friends and everyone he encountered.  He also had a strong connection to the community where he served as the Chief of the Nasonville Fire Department for four years and was a member for approximately 21 years.  Ron also served on the Burrillville Town Council, was a Burrillville Little League Coach, a member of the Burrillville Lions Club, Harrisville Fire District Operating Committee, a former Trustee of St. Theresa’s Church, Nasonville, and a former member of the Parish Council, St. Patrick’s Church, Harrisville.  

Ron was able to combine his passion for cooking for others and his love of St Theresa’s Shrine by volunteering as the Kitchen Chairperson for St Theresa’s. In this role he started the Lenten Fish and Chips and ran the kitchen for the yearly Bazaar and St Theresa’s feast day in August.   He enjoyed doing this every year until his health conditions prevented him from continuing. He felt blessed and proud that his grandmother received the miraculous cure that helped the parish gain its distinction as a Shrine for Therese of Lisieux. His faith and commitment to others was always at the center of his heart. 

Arrangements are entrusted to the Keene-Brown Funeral Home, 445 Greenville Rd., North Smithfield.

Calling hours will be held on May 23, 2024, from 9:00 – 10:30 AM in the funeral home, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Theresa’s Church, 35 Dion Dr., Harrisville. Burial will
follow in the parish cemetery.

Ron’s absence leaves a void in our hearts, but his spirit and the beautiful memories he created will live on forever.  He will be deeply missed and always loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ronald can be made to St. Theresa’s Shrine.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald E. Faford, please visit our floral store.