Obituary of Ronald Springer

Ronald Deane Springer, 68, of Webster, MA passed away Thursday, May 3 4:45am at his home in Webster after a brave battle with cancer. The long time teacher and coach in the Webster School system will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Elaine "Micki" (Germain) Springer of Webster. He is the loving father of Julie C. (Springer) Margolis and her husband Scott of Rockland, MA; Ronald K. Springer and his wife Sandy of Dudley, MA; step-father of Joy A. Seibold of Webster, MA; brother of Dale V. Springer, his wife Dawn of East Lansing, MI and the uncle of Merril A. Springer of Washington, DC. "Grampy" will be sorely missed by his grandchildren Bailey, Molly and Ella Springer of Dudley, MA; Lillian and Sarah Margolis of Rockland, MA; Jesse and John C. Seibold of Charlton, MA and Kory McTague of Oswego, NY; several nieces and nephews; his former wife, Jane Springer, Dennis, MA; his former son-in-law, John Seibold, Charlton, MA and three cousins. Ron was born in East Lansing, MI on February 11, 1944, the son of the late Cecil and the late Maxine (Herrick) Springer. He graduated from Lansing Everett High School in 1962. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Albion College, MI, in 1966. While at Albion, Ron was an All Michigan Athletic Achiever 1964-1965 and Co-Most Valuable All MIAA Player in 1965. He was drafted and signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1966-1967. Ron received his Master's degree in education from West Chester State College, PA, in 1970. While at West Chester State, Ron was an Assistant Football Coach. In 1994, he was inducted into the Albion College Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 1966. In 1970, Coach Ron started his long-time career with the Webster School system as a teacher, mentor and football coach. Ron served as the Bartlett High School Football Head Coach 1970-1974, and then as an assistant coach for years following. During his teaching career, Ron taught physical education, health, and Spanish. He also coached lacrosse at Nichols College. In 1990-1992, he was an assistant football coach at Oxford High School. He retired from teaching in 2004. "Big" Ron was an enthusiastic New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan. He enjoyed watching sports games with his family. He took special pride in all of his grandchildren's academic and athletic accomplishments and achievements. He loved living on Webster Lake and being able to 'take a dip' when it was warm. Ron will be sadly missed by all who loved him. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 4:00 pm at the Bartel Funeral Home and Chapel, 33 Schofield Ave., Dudley, MA. Calling hours will be from 1:00-4:00 pm. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Overlook Hospice of Charlton, MA.