Ronald Earl Edmondson, 92, beloved husband of Shirley (Wright) Edmondson passed away peacefully on Thursday (7/29) surrounded by his family at the home he built in Coventry. Ron was born on May 13, 1929 on Summit Street in Manchester and was the son of James W. and Clara (Tomkinson) Edmondson. The family moved to Coventry in 1932 where Ron remained a resident for the rest of his life. He graduated from Manchester High, Class of 1947 and attended the University of Connecticut on a ROTC scholarship graduating with a Bachelors Degree. After UCONN, Ron married the love of his life, Shirley in March of 1952 and was soon deployed and served as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army serving 22 months in the Korean War. Upon his return, he enrolled at Eastern Connecticut State and got his teaching degree in Science and Math. He obtained his Masters Degree and Sixth Year Certificate in Administration from the University of Hartford. He spent his entire professional 31-year career in the Manchester Public School System teaching at the Junior High level, coaching and as the Vice-Principal of Bennet Junior High School. After retirement Ron was the Education Director for the Auerbach Farm in Bloomfield, which provided outdoor farm activities, and education for students from the inner cities of Connecticut. He also drove a tractor for hayrides with Mrs. Pumpkin (Shirley) at the Edmondson Farm and worked at the Coventry Funeral Home as a greeter and driver. Ron was an active member of the Second Congregational Church of Coventry for more that 85 years and during that time served on virtually every committee and held every office. He was a founding member of the North Coventry Fire Department and a member of the Uriel Lodge #24. In his later years he was a proud volunteer member of the “Top of the Hill” group that helped maintain his church and facilities. His life was centered on his family, friends and his church. Ron was happiest when everyone was with he and his wife Shirley at their home. They spent many years travelling the United States, Canada and Europe. He was proud to tell you he had visited every state. Ron built their first travel trailer and his last RV was an Airstream. One of his favorite places on earth was Taylor Pond in Auburn, Maine where he and Shirley owned a cottage. Many summer days were spent swimming, boating and sailing and many evenings were spent listening to the loons on their “golden pond.” Ron loved history, a good book, tractors, always told great stories, and loved the Yankees, especially the great teams and players of the past. His family always looked forward to whiffle ball games or touch football on the front lawn and Ron was often the best player on the field. In the winter he loved skiing at Hogback Mountain in Brattleboro Vermont. He is survived by his wife of 69 years Shirley, his two children Deb (Rob) and Craig (Jo-Ann), six grandchildren Ryan (Kari), Adam (Prescott), Collin (Nicole), Sarah (Ray), Rachel (Tommy), and Katie (Elliot), 10 great grandchildren, Natalie, Emma, Kennede, Fenway, Kent, Caroline, Jacob, Genevieve, Kylie and Audrey. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Nancy, several cousins and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill (Eloise), Jim (Laura), Hubert and Coy. He will always be fondly remembered by his family, friends and church family for his kindness, generosity and gentle soul. Special thanks to the Vernon Visiting Nurse Health and Hospice Services, to the OT and PT staff at the Masonic Care Health Center and Helping Hands Home Care of Bolton. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the Second Congregational Church of Coventry, 1746 Boston Turnpike, Coventry, Connecticut 06238.