Northborough – Ronald E. Berube, 90, of Northborough, passed away surrounded by a loving family on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at UMass Memorial Medical Center.
Ronald is survived by the love of his life, Ann Marie (Fazio) Berube. They were married for nearly sixty-eight years. He is also survived by his three daughters: Donna Marie B. Hayden Reich and her husband Dr. Laurence Reich of Boylston, Debra Ann Berube of Shrewsbury, and Sharon M. Berube, with whom Ronald and Ann Marie lived, four grandchildren: Robert Hayden, Nicholas Hayden, Maria Berube, and Maya Berube; many nieces and nephews; his dog, Chet and cat, Gigi. Born in Holden, he was the son of the late, Eli A. and Elna (Johnson) Berube.
Ron was predeceased by his brother, John Roger Berube earlier this year.
He was a graduate of Holden High School and a member of the Rufus Putnam Mason Lodge as part of the Massachusetts Freemasons.
Ronald served in the United States Navy during the Korean War where he first learned of a new technology while serving at the Pentagon: computers. It was also during this time Ron was introduced by Don Dragger to Judo which quickly became part of this daily life. Upon his return to Worcester, Ron taught Judo at the YMCA and later cofounded The Worcester Judo Club, the first of its kind in Worcester County. His dedication to the art of Judo brought him the great honor of earning Yodan, a 4th degree black belt, one of the first in the Northeast. He was featured in Black Belt Magazine in 1974. Ron qualified for the 1964 Olympic trials. This year would mark the introduction of Judo as an Olympic sport.
Ronald began his professional career in IT as a systems analyst for Wright Line in Worcester, and later General Electric. He was also instrumental in introducing computers and data systems to Saint Vincent Hospital, as well as Fallon clinic. Later with his wife, they owned Harper’s Data Processing which they operated together for many years.
Ronald was a man richly blessed with many talents and hobbies. This included his love of sailing – especially on his sailboat “Cool Change” in Narragansett Bay. He spent many winters in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Ron relished the sun, ocean, and the rocket launches. In later years, he practiced and taught Tai Chi. His activities included wood carving and being an Eagle Scout mentor. Ron was a voracious reader and enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved living in “The Home on the Hill.”
He was a wood carver focusing on signs and birds. Ron enjoyed the fellowship of many other wood carvers. He loved carving his “Comfort Birds” which he shared with family, friends and folks undergoing difficult times. Ron was so proud to have carved comfort birds that were gifts to all those present at his daughter’s wedding.
Calling Hours for Ronald will be on Tuesday, August 1, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. His Funeral will be on Wednesday, August 2, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow at Howard Cemetery in Northborough.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Veteran’s Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.
