Ronald R. Violette

Ronald R. Violette, 86, resident of Milford, NH died on July 3, 2023 at the Community Hospice House, Merrimack, NH, surrounded by his loving family after a period of declining health.

He was born on March 31, 1937 in Van Buren, ME, a son of the late Robert and Virginia (Labbe) Violette.

Ron graduated from Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, NH in 1956. After being honorably discharged from the United States Air force he began his career in the food industry, what would be his lifelong passion. In 1974 Ron fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning his own store and with his wife Betty they opened Violette’s Market in Milford NH. In 1981 they built a new supermarket in Milford named Violette’s IGA. Ron sold Violette’s IGA in 1990 to retire and enjoy life with his family. During retirement Ron wrote a book “Love Thy Grocer” sharing his thoughts and experiences as a retail grocer.

Ron received a number of prestigious awards throughout his career including the 1987 IGA Retailer of the year, NH Retail Grocer of the Year in 1983 and received the National Grocers Association “Spirit of America” award. He was awarded Milford Citizen of the Year in 1988.

Ron took great pride in the Ultra Violette Golf Classic scholarship tournament he started with his brother Vern Violette in 1986 which awards scholarships for students in the NH food industry.

Ron was extremely passionate about serving his community. He was a member of the Milford Rotary Club and a Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Knight. He was very generous in donating to many of the organizations and athletic teams in the Milford area communities.

Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Violette of Milford, NH, his children Mike and Heidi Violette Amherst NH, Deborah and David Calvetti Milford NH, Donna and Daniel Gunter Amherst NH and Cheryl Violette and Fiancé John Esposito Sterling VA and his 12 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren. Ron is also survived by his sisters Verna Fales of Portsmouth NH, Susan Chernenko of Charleston WV, and a brother Paul Violette of Fort Myers FL.

Ron was predeceased by his Grandson Jack Halley, brothers Vernon Violette, Howard Violette, Robert Violette and sisters Patricia Cappelletti and Vivian Tate.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH 03055. A mass of Christian burial will take place on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 10:00 AM in the St. Patrick’s Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford, NH. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, Milford, with full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Share Outreach 1 Columbus Ave Milford NH; Community Hospice House of Merrimack 210 Naticook Rd Merrimack NH.