BREWER and DEDHAM – Ronald R. Papa, 60, passed away Sept. 15, 2009, at his home. He was born Aug. 3, 1949, in Springfield, Mass., the son of Gloria Papa and the late Arthur Papa, his dad; and son of Richard Corn. He served his country as an engine man in the U.S. Navy. He was a general contractor for many years – owning his own building and remodeling business, and was last employed as a carpenter at the University of Maine, Orono. He had a natural love of the water and the great outdoors. He loved going scuba diving, motorcycling, rock climbing, skiing and snowmobiling, but he will be remembered most for his love of sailing – either alone or with anyone he could talk into going with him. His best sailing stories were from his ocean trips. Anyone who knew him well knew he enjoyed the companionship of Buster, Boomer and Copper, his canine friends who spent a lot of time with him at his place on Phillips Lake. He is survived by his wife, Donna Papa; two children, Brandon and Shannon Fell; his aunt, Ruth Smith of Massachusetts; and his cousins, Allyson, Amy, Debbie, Janice and Paul. He was a quiet and mild tempered man with a good sense of humor, which kept his family and friends sane throughout his last 10 months with ALS. He appreciated all those who visited and shared time with him, especially “Mickey,” who journeyed back and forth numerous times from New Jersey. He will be missed by his wife, family and friends. “We love you, Captain Ron.” A memorial service of remembrance will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Holden Congregational Church. Interment will be at a later date at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. Gifts in his memory may be sent to ALS Association Development Department, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250, Calabagas Hills, CA 91301 or by phone 1-888-949-2577. A service of Brookings-Smith, Clark-Piper Chapel, Brewer. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
RONALD R. PAPA
