Ronald J. Rando

Ron was born Feb. 10, 1936, in New London to the late Seraphin F. Rando and Armanda (Pagnetti) Rando. He attended grade school in Niantic and graduated from New London High School in 1955. Shortly thereafter, he began working at Suburban Propane. It was there that he met his soulmate, Ursula Franz. Ron and Ursula were married July 4, 1972, and later opened Ron’s Guns in East Lyme in 1974.

Ron’s Guns took Ron and Ursula all over the world. They traveled from coast to coast, driving from one gun show to the next, exploring the country in their RV. On these trips, they made connections and friendships that lasted a lifetime. In 2022, Ron and Ursula celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, followed by the 50th anniversary of Ron’s Guns — two anniversaries that are a testament to their commitment to each other and their business.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a patriot is a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend against detractors. The definition should simply read ‘Ron Rando’ – the embodiment of an American patriot. Whether you agreed with Ron’s opinions or not, he always put his country and American values first. He served in the National Guard; he flew the American flag proudly in his yard every single day; and he made it his life’s work to defend and advocate for the Second Amendment: the right to bear arms. Ron was a savant when it came to guns; his passion and knowledge were unparalleled. In 2023, Ron sold Ron’s Guns to his son, Edward Rando; a sale that not only ensured the lasting legacy of Ron’s Guns, but that filled Ron with an immense amount of pride. During the last few years of Ron’s life, he found great joy and fulfillment in taking daily trips to Ron’s Guns to spend time with his employees and customers, who became his family over the years. Ron was generous with his time and enjoyed cheering on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as they competed in various athletic games and Motocross races. He was also an avid basketball enthusiast and never missed a UConn or Connecticut Suns game.

Ron was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ursula; stepson, Michael Waddington; and son-in-law, Bob Firmin. Left to celebrate Ron’s legacy are Ron’s children, Eileen Firmin (Bob), Edward Rando (Kathy), and Stacey McCauley; stepchildren, David Waddington (Leigh) and Heidi Cowell (Michael); sister, Janice Gentilella (John); 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a great-grandson and great-great-grandson expected in December and April.

In the last years of his life, Ron was lovingly cared for by his family members. The Rando family would like to extend a special thank you to Ron’s care team: Sue Silvestri and the VNA of Southeastern Connecticut.

Calling hours will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Lake Ave., Niantic. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27, at East Lyme Cemetery, Boston Post Road, East Lyme. Reception to follow at the Niantic Sportsmen’s Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Ron’s name.