Ronald J. DeSantis

Vietnam veteran, law enforcement professional, writer, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend -- passed peacefully at his home in Hampstead, NH on January 26, 2018 surrounded by loving family and friends.

Ron was a proud native of Lawrence, MA, born at Lawrence General Hospital on July 22, 1949. He graduated Lawrence High School in 1968 and after serving with the US Navy in Vietnam, returned to join the Lawrence Police Department where he served in positions of Patrol Officer, Detective, and Arson Investigator during his 30 year career. Ron’s contributions to the community of Lawrence went beyond his police work: he started a successful toy drive that ensured dozens of children had presents at Christmas. And, he headed a committee that designed, funded, and built the Lawrence Police Memorial. He retired in 2002.

In 2004, troubled still by the the World Trade Center bombing and what he saw happening around him, Ron felt the need to serve again. He went to work for the Transportation Safety Administration, starting as a part-time employee and eventually working his way up to Security Manager. He retired in 2014 after ten years of service.

Ron was also a writer whose short stories and poems were published in numerous journals and anthologies. He published two books: Lawrence Police Department: Heroes Wear Blue​, a history of the Lawrence Police Department, and An Artshow Without Paintings​, a collection of his poems.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Ruth Ann Myers, whom he met outside a laundromat when he was thirteen; their three children Deana DeClercq, James A. DeSantis and his wife Nikki, and Danielle Pond; their four grandchildren Kayla, Elizabeth, Maggie and Jack; his sister, Rita Place; and his many nieces, nephews, and extended family. His quick wit and wise, steady presence will be missed by his many friends.

A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, February 1st, 2018 at 10:30am at St. Anne Parish, 26 Emerson Ave, Hampstead, NH 03841. Calling hours will take place on Wednesday, January 31st, from 4:00 to 8:00pm at the Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com

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