NORWAY – Ronald A. Springer, 78, died of complications of Alzheimer’s on Sunday July 3, 2022, at the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris. He was born in Brunswick, Maine, on Nov. 14, 1943, son of the late Fred and Wilma (Smith) Springer. Ron graduated from Oxford Hills High School, and went on to join the United States Army.

Ron worked for the Town of Norway Highway Department for over 40 years, working his way up to Road Commissioner before his retirement. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Norway Fire Department for 50 years and spent several terms as a member of the S.A.D 17 school board. Ron volunteered with his friend, David Millett, as a coach for the Tri-County Babe Ruth League. His “kids” still call him Zim.

In high school Ron was known for being the lead singer of Scrapper Pratt’s Falcons – the band traveled to the Decca Records studio in Manhattan where they recorded several songs, notably “Some Sweet Day” and “Guitar Man’s Struggle”. In later years original Falcons members Ron and Terry Twitchell teamed up with Jim Hooker and Rusty Brackett as “The Belairs”, playing dances around the Oxford Hills. During his last two years as a resident of the Veterans Home, music was always his joy and solace.

Despite being a lifelong Maine resident, Ron loved wearing his N.Y. Yankees hat, just to annoy his friends. He also loved reminiscing about going “upta camp” with Bruce and Sam, talking about his years helping his mother run Springer’s General Store in Waterford and telling hair-raising stories of snowmobile trips, the Stagger Inn, and racing his father’s car from Waterford to Norway, at midnight, without lights.

Ron is survived by his wife Beth Springer and her son James Remington (wife Lindsay), his son Ron Springer, Jr. (Lisa) and daughters Shelley Baker (David), Terry O’Connor (Tim), and Rhonda Springer. He was very proud of his grandchildren, Morgan and Madison Springer, Jarrett Baker, T.J. O’Connor, Harrison and Alexander Twitchell, and stepgrandson, Spencer Remington.

Ron’s family would like to thank his wonderful caregivers at the South Paris Veterans Home. Their kindness, patience and obvious affection for “Uncle Ron” will never be forgotten.

There will be a celebration of Ron’s life at a date to be determined. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Services 45 Main Street South Paris. To make an online condolence please visit http://www.chandlerfunerals.com

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