WATERVILLE – James Frederick Ronco Jr., 86, passed away May 1, 2021, at Mount Saint Joseph’s in Waterville, after a long illness with Parkinson’s Disease.
Born April 17, 1935, in the home of his grandmother, Emma Burgess Ronco in Fairfield Center, the first of three sons of Lorna Sarah (Abbott) Ronco and James F. Ronco Sr.

He attended Gardiner High School, graduating in 1953 as senior class president. In 1955, he enlisted for four years in the U.S. Air Force, of which 32 months were served in Bordeaux, France. With 30 days leave time per year, he toured much of Europe. Back in the ’60s, Jim was very active in the Augusta Jaycees, serving as an officer and being named Jaycee of the year. From his participation, he gained additional self-confidence.

Jim married Rosemary Elizabeth Willette and started work as an agent/rep for Met Life in Augusta. They became parents of Mark, Lisa, and Jason during this time. Promoted to sales manager in Fitchburg, Mass., and later as a consultant for Met, he became a million dollar producer. They returned to Gardiner and opened Ronco’s Bookworm, which was sold at a profit nearly five years later. Jim and Rosemary divorced during this time.

In the spring of 1982, Jim began a 20-year career as an optical frame sales rep., calling on opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists, covering all of Maine. Jim had found his niche, becoming the top rep for each of the three companies by working hard, by being himself, honest, ethical, and low-key. He married Eileen Marsden Lindberg of Vassalboro in 1995. On the last day of 2001, Jim hung up his running shoes, he fully retired.

While still president of the Gardiner High School class of ’53, Jim initiated the class of ’53 scholarship fund in 1983. With classmates contributing for several years, the fund has awarded $31,000 to G.H.S. students, giving $1,000 per year. “An unmatched legacy.”

Jim was a member of the Vassalboro United Methodist Church and was previously active as a member and chair of many committees, including the Community Calendar. He later attended the Oakland Sidney United Methodist Church and was a member of both the Vassalboro and the Sidney Historical Society.

He is survived by his wife, Eileen; daughter, Lisa Marie Ronco; son, Jason Raymond Ronco and husband Richard Perry; brother, Gary Ronco and wife Judy; sister-in-law, Mary Ronco; former spouse, Rosemary Willette Ronco; nieces and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; son, Mark; and brother, Robert.

A graveside service will be observed on May 27, 2021, 10 a.m., at the Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road and a Celebration of Life to follow at the Le Club Calumet, Augusta.
The family would like to recognize staff at Mount Saint Joseph and Maine General Hospice for providing great care.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in memory of

Mark Alan Ronco.