Ronald E. Minor

Ronald E. Minor was born to Oscar and Helen Minor on October 2, 1936, in Rochester, New York. He graduated from Brighton High School in Rochester. A member of the Honor Society, Ron also excelled in athletics as the captain of the tennis team.

In his early years, Ron gained a love of working with his hands, especially in leather carving, while working in his father’s craft store. While spending summers at the family cottage in Honeoye, NY, he became a lifelong bird watcher, avid hiker, and nature lover. These pasions remained with him throughout his life, giving him joy that he loved to share with others.

From 1954-1958, Ron attended the University of Rochester, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in History, graduating cum laude as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. While at the U of R, he met the love of his life, Barbara Carpenter, and they were married on August 20, 1960. Ron began studies at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, graduating in 1962. Initially drawn to youth ministry, he also served as a camp director.

After ordination, Ron pastored the congregation at the First United Presbyterian Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts, from 1962 to 1980. During that time, he served in the Presbytery of Boston as Moderator and Chair of the General Council. The Cambridge church became a gathering place for graduate students and flourished as Ron's pastoral heart drew people of many ages and backgrounds who sought Jesus.

In 1980, Ron and Barb moved their family to Orleans, Massachusetts, where Ron served on the clergy staff at the Chapel of the Holy Paraclete and The Church of the Transfiguration at the Community of Jesus. He continued to be active in the Presbyterian church, serving on a task force to establish Portuguese and Brazilian churches in Southern New England. Ron also served on councils and committees of the Northeast Synod and Presbytery of Southern New England, belonged to the Nauset Interfaith Association, and was a member of the Refugee Support Team.

Ron sang and toured with Gloriæ Dei Cantores for over 15 years; was a member of the Liturgical Committee for the planning of the Church of the Transfiguration, and presided at its Dedication in 2000; and served as the Superintendent of the Community's homeschool program for over a decade.

Ron's steadfastness and surety of the love of God never wavered. He had a resounding impact through his witness to the love of Jesus as his personal Savior. He led a healthy and active life whether tending the garden or hiking in search of a rare bird.

Ron passed away peacefully the morning of May 25. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his three daughters and son-in-law: Karen Moore, and her husband Paul, Sr. Mercy, and Sr. Brigid; and his siblings Art Minor, George Minor, Nancy (and Rod) Bohman.