Ronald Lafontaine Obituary

Ronald "Barney" Francis Lafontaine

Ronald "Barney" Francis Lafontaine, 70, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:34 a.m. after fighting and battling harder than anyone thought possible, and with the unwavering love of his family. Born March 23, 1955, in Fostoria to Bernard and Rita (Kessler) Lafontaine. Ron was the embodiment of hard work, loyalty, and devotion. He spent every moment of his life putting his family first, sacrificing, laboring, and loving with every ounce of his being. Even in his final days, he fought with unwavering strength, determined to make each day count.

Ron was the beloved son of the late Barney Lafontaine and Rita (Kessler) Lafontaine. He married the love of his life, Cindy (Musgrave), April 16, 1977, and together they shared over 45 wonderful years of marriage. Cindy survives, along with their four children, Bradley A. (Denise) Lafontaine of Carey, Amanda J. Lafontaine of New Riegel, Renee M. (Casey Zoeller) Baughman of New Riegel, and Aaron M. (Marissa) Lafontaine of Bloomdale. He also leaves behind his cherished grand-children, Andrew, Ruthann, Porter, Alexis, Owen, Zachary, Hazel, Gavin, and Isabelle, who were the absolute pride and joy of his life. Ron is also survived by his loving sisters, Barb (Raymond) Garcia, Lin (Rod) Hill, and Norma (Jeff) Tiell; along with their extensive and growing families. To him, they are also a broad extension of his own family, and he loved them as deeply as he loved his own grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Don Lafontaine, with whom he is now joyfully reunited in heaven. Known affectionately by many names, "Barney," "Big Ron," or "Ironman," Ron was unforgettable. His signature humor and warm-hearted teasing were trademarks of his affection. He often said, "If I'm giving you a hard time, it means I like you." And those who knew him understood the love behind his good-natured ribbing. While he may at first have appeared gravely and gruff, it only took a few minutes of talking to find the kind, caring interior of the man hiding inside. A true workhorse, Ron had a tireless spirit. He worked at Atlas/TKA for over 30 years, serving in many roles, but none brought him more pride than being Union Steward. At the same time, he managed the family farm, carrying forward the legacy of his father, an endeavor that brought him deep fulfillment and joy. He also spent time working at the Stone Quarry in Carey, a job he took on with determination to support his family. In addition, he served as a school bus driver for New Riegel Schools and Seneca County Opportunity Center (SCOC), jobs that gave him stories and joy in equal measure. In retirement, Ron found his perfect role as a delivery driver for ICP in Tiffin. With his gift of gab and infectious spirit, he found immense satisfaction in this job, one he always said he would have done forever. Despite often working 90+ hours a week, Ron still made time for hobbies and community involvement. He was active in the Seneca County Fair and served as a 4-H advisor, sharing his agricultural knowledge with countless youth. He was a former governor of the New Riegel Moose Lodge and coached both baseball and junior high basketball, where he instilled in his players the same values he lived by: discipline, hard work, love of the game, and a fierce desire to win. Later in life, he proudly took on the role of spectator, showing up for his grandchildren's events whenever he could, never missing a chance to cheer them on. Above all, Ron was a man of grit, love, and honor. He never shied away from hard work and passed that ethic on to his children. He faced his health challenges with the same determination he brought to everything in life. Even when his lungs and heart began to fail him, he pushed through each day with a smile, refusing to stop fighting for his family, his legacy, and those he knew needed him. Now, at last, Ron has earned his rest. After 70 years of relentless dedication, he is at peace, welcomed into paradise with open arms. His absence leaves a hole in our hearts, but his impact lives on in every life he touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron's memory to Bridge Hospice of Northwest Ohio, whose care and compassion were a blessing in his final days, or the Teresa Kessler Scholarship Fund. The family is also in the process of establishing a non-profit in support of teachers at Seneca County Opportunity Center, a cause dear to both Ron and Cindy.

Visitation is 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at HOENING FUNERAL HOME, 242 W. Tiffin St., Fostoria, Ohio 44830, and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 8. 2025, at All Saints Parish in New Riegel, where the Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Timothy Kummerer, presiding. Burial will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery. A luncheon will then take place at New Riegel American Legion.

Online expressions of sympathy and shared memories may be made by visiting www.hoeningfuneralhome.com