Ronald Joseph Dandeneau

Ronald Joseph Dandeneau, CMSgt, USAF Retired, 79, passed away on September 28, 2018 from complications following surgery. Ronald Joseph Dandeneau was raised in Berlin, NH. He was the son of Albert and Juliette Nolette Dandeneau. Ron joined the USAF in 1956 and proudly served for 27 years, retiring in 1983 at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He married Peggie LeClaire on August 12, 1961 and they had 4 children. He and his family embraced the military life. Assignments included Misawa AB Japan, Lackland AFB TX, Hartford and New Haven CT, Tan Son Nhut AB Vietnam, Bien Hoa AB Vietnam, the Pentagon, Ramstein AB Germany, and Hickam AFB HI. During his assignment as a French translator at Bien Hoa AB, he flew 86 combat missions for 452 combat hours in the OV-10 Bronco with the Rustic Forward Air Controllers. It was undoubtedly one of his proudest accomplishments and he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement on 23 Nov 1970 while participating in aerial flights in Southeast Asia. Following active military service, Ron served 20 years as a government civilian until 2004. Civilian assignments included Arlington VA, the Pentagon, and RAF Mildenhall UK. He retired as a GS-14 on 31 Dec 2004 after his last assignment at the Pentagon. A 1985 graduate of Strayer University, he earned a bachelor of science with Highest Honors in Business Administration and Management. Ron married Rosemary Gil on September 30, 1995. They happily lived the retired life in Aquia Harbor, VA until his passing. Ron was well-known for his generosity. For him, it was like a hobby. He was energized by finding the perfect gift for a birthday or Christmas. His standard practice for birthday cards was to send the whole month of recipient cards out during the week before the first of the month. As a result, we grew accustomed to receiving his card as the first one wishing us well on our special day! Many who knew Ron have described him as a man of exceptional integrity. His family and friends have countless stories of his honesty. Whether at work, at home or at play, he lived it consistently. He showed respect to everyone without bias. He lived these morals sincerely. They were weaved into his very fiber. Other words have been used to describe Ron – leader, mentor, kind-hearted, patient, knowledgeable, friend, patriot. He made a lasting impression on all who met him. When he made a friend, it was usually for life. It didn’t matter how long his Christmas card list was – he always had room for one more. He was proud of his country, his military career, his French-Canadian roots, and his family, who are deeply mourning his passing. Indeed, his family was his greatest joy. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosemary Gil, brothers Richard and Roger, children Pamela (Howard) Spires, Patricia (John) Parker, Joseph (Lolly) Dandeneau, John (Michelle) Dandeneau, their mother Peggie Dandeneau, stepson Eduardo Coll (Donna), grandchildren Paul Pharris, Brian Pharris, Kaleigh Dandeneau, Jeremy Dandeneau, Michael Parker and Erika Parker, Amelia Coll and great-grandchildren, Cobin Pharris, Declan Pharris, and Cannelle Pharris. Visitation will be held at Advent Funeral and Cremation Services in Falls Church, VA on Saturday October 6, 2018, from 2pm – 6pm.