NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI - Ronald E. Rioux, 85, of North Smithfield, RI, formerly a resident of North Attleboro, MA for over fifty years, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at home surrounded by family. He was the beloved husband of Pauline C. (Vaillancourt) Rioux for 67 years.
Born on October 19, 1938, in Fall River, MA, Ron was a loving son of the late Eugene Rioux and Jeannette T. (Martel) Rioux. Growing up in Fall River, he graduated from Durfee High School. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Ron served his country from 1955 to 1959, earning an honorable discharge on August 21, 1959. He pursued education at Stonehill College, Bryant College, and was a graduate of the Electronic Computer Programming Institute.
Ron dedicated forty years of his career to Foxboro Company in Foxboro, where he held various positions, including programmer, systems analyst, and buyer, before retiring in 2000. A devoted parishioner of Saint Mark's Church in Attleboro Falls, Ron served as a lector and CCD teacher. He and Pauline volunteered at church fairs and LaSalette Shrine in Attleboro.
A lover of music, fishing, and a sports car enthusiast, Ron had a particular fondness for Corvettes. His favorite moments were spent in the company of his adoring family, especially his grandchildren.
In addition to his beloved wife, Pauline, Ron is survived by his devoted daughters: Paula Lahousse of Florida and her late husband Peter and Michelle Black and her husband Michael of Rhode Island. He was the cherished grandfather of: Tammy McMahon and her husband Brian of South Carolina; Susan Mattero and her husband Jay of Florida; and Zachary, Marjorie, and Benjamin Black of Rhode Island. Great-grandfather of Peter, Haylie, and Grace McMahon, and Jaxson and Chloe Mattero.
Ron was the dear brother of Diane Wagner of Rhode Island, and Janice Zeoli and her husband Gene of South Carolina. He was the brother-in-law of Robert "Buddy" Vaillancourt of Rhode Island, the godfather of Jay Guimond of Massachusetts, the cousin of Roger Chagnon of Massachusetts, and also leaves many nieces and nephews to mourn his passing.
Ron's funeral, to which relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend, will be held on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 10:00 AM from the Sperry & McHoul Funeral Home, 15 Grove Street, North Attleboro. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM in Sacred Heart Church, 58 Church Street, North Attleboro. Interment will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, 1540 Stafford Road, Fall River. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the funeral home.
The family expresses special thanks to the Saint Antoine Residence in North Smithfield and to HopeHealth Hospice for their care and compassion during Ron's final days.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express sympathy may make a donation in memory of Ron to the Wounded Warrior Project. Checks can be sent to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or donations can be made online at support.woundedwarriorproject.