Ronald E. Dionne

Ronald E. Dionne (1944 – 2026)

Old Orchard Beach- Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Edgar Dionne, 81, of Shrewsbury, MA, died at his son’s home in Portland, ME, on February 3, 2026, surrounded by light and his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.

Ron was born in Hooksett, NH to Alice A. LaCourse and Robert A. Dionne, attending French schools, playing baseball, and enjoying summers in the swimming holes of Franconia’s Notch. Ron attended Bishop Bradley in Manchester before studying engineering at the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned his Master’s in Soil Mechanics at UMASS Amherst.

Before graduation from the USMA, Ron met the woman who would become his beloved wife of 58 years, Wida L. McSheehy – marrying on December 23, 1967, before attending Ranger School and being deployed to the Vietnam War. A proud veteran, Ron served 22 years in the army, ten of which in Germany, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring and transitioning over to the Massachusetts Turnpike Department of Transportation where he cherished maintaining and improving roads and bridges all over the state.

Ron took pride in having done his duty to help defend the rights and freedoms of his fellow Americans. Ron was also very proud of being an active member of the alumni associations for both Bishop Bradley High School and the USMA at West Point.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Alice, and father, Robert, and is survived by his bride, Wida, three children, Melissa S. Dionne, Tracey C. Magowan, and Jason R. Dionne, the spouses of his children, Gladson Pereira de Silva, Gary Magowan, and Michael Archibald, respectively, his three grandchildren, Micah Magowan, Caleb Magowan, and Aaron Magowan, and Caleb’s wife, Erica Magowan, and his first great grandchild Benjamin (Benji) Elias Magowan. While Ron was proud of many accomplishments, being an incredible husband, father, and grandfather gave Ron deep purpose and brought the biggest smile to his face.

Ron’s family held a private family service following his cremation. The family will be arranging a celebration of Ron’s life at a date and time to be announced in Worcester, MA – details regarding the memorial service will be announced by the family.

In the meantime, if wanting to honor Ron’s legacy, roll up your sleeves, get your hands in the dirt, work the soil, and plant a seed.

Arrangements are under the direction of the new Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral, and Gathering Center, 300 Allen Avenue, Portland.