Ronald R. Bridges

South Portland - Ronald "Ron" A. Bridges, aged 70, of Forest Ave, South Portland, passed away on April 17, 2024, at Mercy Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Castine, Maine, on March 20, 1954, Ron was the son of the late Arnold F. and Priscilla L. (Gray) Bridges. He grew up in beautiful Cape Rosier, Maine and had many memories of a childhood spent exploring in the outdoors and spending time with family. Ron graduated from George Stevens Academy in the class of 1972 and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Maine at Orono in 1976. In 1981, he earned a master’s in special education from Lesley College in Massachusetts. Ron’s professional life was dedicated to serving children and adults with special needs as well as their families. He worked for the State of Maine for over 35 years starting with direct care and advancing to various administrative positions at locations including the Elizabeth Levinson Center in Bangor, the Infant Development Center in South Portland and the Freeport Town Square. He retired in 2016 from the Department of Health and Human Services in Portland. Even in his retirement, Ron continued to find purpose in part-time work providing elder care support to patients and families in hospice care. Ron’s genuine compassion for others and his warm and friendly nature made him well-loved by so many of those he touched through his work. In his personal life, Ron was a creative soul, a proud father and grandfather, and a devoted husband. He loved music, old movies, and Stephen King books. He was a founding member of the Maine Gay Men’s Chorus, serving on the board of directors and lending his voice to numerous concerts, and an active participant in Pride events across Maine. He delighted in decorating and celebrating holidays; for example, assisting with decorating the Victoria Mansion in Portland for the Christmas season, making and decorating beautiful and delicious cakes for loved ones’ special days, creating elaborate Halloween costumes, and hosting legendary Christmas parties at his home. He treasured time spent entertaining family and friends. Especially in his retirement, Ron found joy in camping and traveling the world with his husband, Larry, exploring destinations such as Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and San Francisco. Ron was preceded in death by his parents as well as his beloved grandmother, Virginia E. Gray. He is survived by his partner of 22 years and husband of 11 years, Larry Howe, of South Portland. He is also survived by his daughter, Arielle, and her husband, Deven West, of Saco; his son, Khalan Bridges, and his partner, Lynn Maleh, of Los Angeles, CA; his grandson, Isaac West, of Saco; his brother, Randy and wife Diane Bridges of Charleston, ME; his brother Harold and wife Karen Bridges of Burlington, ME and Palm Bay, FL; his special cousin, Alta Gross, of Penobscot, ME; his two fur babies Turbo and Apollo; and many dear friends and extended family. Ron's adventurous spirit, warm heart, and vibrant presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. At the family’s request all services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 1024 Broadway, South Portland, ME. To leave a condolence please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com Those who wish may make contributions in Ron’s memory to The Trevor Project at thetrevorproject.org