WESTFIELD – Ronald M. Townson, 73, of Westfield, died Friday, Feb. 22 surrounded by his race crew and friends. He was born in Springfield, MA on July 10, 1945, a beloved son of the late Raymond and Rita (Wasmund) Townson. Ronald graduated from West Springfield High School in 1963 and joined the U.S. Air Force serving with the 2867th GEEIA Squadron (AFLC) out of McClellan AFB, CA serving twice with operations in Vietnam as a Cable Splicer, and later went on to work with Western Mass. Electric, Northeast Utilities as a Lineman for 42 years. He was owner of modified racing teams at Riverside Park Speedway, the NASCAR tour and The Modified Racing Series at numerous tracks in New England, NY and NJ for over 25 years. He also competed in local men’s Hockey Leagues and excelled in NE Regional and Dart League competitions and matches in England. Ronald was a proud member of Westfield- West Springfield Elks 1481, American Legion Post 124, St. Rocco’s Men’s Club, and Slovak Citizens Club. Ronald leaves his beloved wife and partner of 36 years, N. Jill Townson. He also leaves his brother Raymond Townson and his wife Robin of Pittsfield, mother and father in-law Frances ‘Jimmy’ and Al Corwin of Venice, FL, brother-in-law James Johnson-Corwin and his wife Jennifer of Westfield, as well as brother-in-law Alec Corwin of Vienna, Austria. He also leaves his dear step-daughter Dawn Gleason of Mascotte, FL, cherished nieces Jennifer, Ciara, and Veronika and nephews Juston, Joel, and Connor and extended family. He will be incredibly missed by his family, many great friends, his tremendous race team, and former co-workers. Calling hours will be held at Firtion Adams, 76 Broad St., Westfield, Thursday, February 28, 4-7pm. A burial is planned for Friday at 2pm at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. His family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to The American Legion: Operation Comfort Warriors. www.legion.org. firtionadams.com
