Ronald Reck

— Ronald North Franklin Lee “Ron” Reck, 79, passed in peace Wednesday, March 8, 2023. He was born Jan. 23, 1944, in New London, to the late Francis “Frank” Sr. and Sophie (Prezkop) Reck of Gales Ferry.

Ron is a NFA graduate, Class of ‘62. He joined the U.S. Navy, and served during the Vietnam War on the U.S.S. Forestall aircraft carrier. He went on to work at Electric Boat as a sheet metalist. Ron, eventually, retired from Millstone where he was a nuclear mechanic.

Ron, “Pa” and “Papa,” as he was lovingly referred to, was the most devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was an outdoor enthusiast who loved fishing, hunting, or just driving his truck through the woods in search of a deer sighting. He loved to collect things like fishing rods, guitars, cars and, some would say, junk. He loved a good Saturday morning drive in search of a tag sale treasure, the best bargain for things he didn’t need, but one day might. If you needed something, chances are Pa had it. Ron was always one to make you laugh, whether it was through the way he told his stories, or his hair sticking straight up. He was the world’s greatest grandpa and proud of it.

Ron is survived by his wife of almost 57 years, Carol; daughter Michelle (Wayne) Watson; son Jeffrey (Lisa) Reck Sr.; and grandsons, Jeffrey Jr., Jacob, Andrew and Anthony; in addition, a brother Francis “Frankie” Reck Jr., of North Carolina; a lifelong friend, Paul Travers; and his two pups, Aggy and Nelly.

Family, friends and all whose lives Ron touched are welcome to attend visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, at the Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Avenue, Norwich. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 15, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Baltic. Reception to follow; all are welcome.