To the Family of Ronald Schools

I served with Ron aboard the USS Forrest Royal DD872 in 1968 /1969.  As a new navel recruit fresh out of high school, I reported directly to Ron, or as we referred to him Boats, within the deck division.  Boats show us the ropes and taught a number of young enlisted sailors the skill sets we needed to serve aboard the Forrest Royal.  This was a difficult period for all of us because of the nation's sentiment for the war in Viet Nam, but with the help of Boats, we all came out of this experience as better men, and we all served this country with dignity, respect and pride. I recently had a chance to see Boats in Virginia Beach a couple of years ago at a naval reunion, and we reminisced about those days back on the Forrest Royal.  It seemed like it was only yesterday, but in fact it was over 40 years ago.  While Boats showed us how to tackle seamanship on our cruise to the Middle East, it's the life lessons we learned that have made all of us that worked along side of him better people.  We are certainly going to miss Boats, but we can take solace knowing he is in a better place and that we were fortunate enough to have known him.  May Boats rest in peace and may his family know that he will always be remembered by those of us that knew and worked along side of him. 

Robert J. Schulz
Hamilton, New Jersey

I served with Ronnie from 1969-70 on the USS Forrest Royal. He was my leading petty officer and I was a young Boatswain Mate. He was an inspiration to me then, as I ended up serving 31 years and he was a mentor for me and many others. I connected with him again several years ago, through our friend Dennis Zannetti. I was thrilled to hear from him and he was in such great spirits. God bless you Ron, Rest in Peace and my condolences to Ron's family and many friends, especially Dennis.

Ronnie: 
Joe & I lived on Bentin Dr. N. for 29 years and in that time became friends with you.  We always called you the "Mayor of Bentin Dr." because you knew all the neighbors and looked out for everyone.  You will be missed and when I come up to the Beach I will miss stopping to see you and catching up on the neighborhood news. May your family have comfort in the fact that you were loved by everyone who's lives you touched. 
Joe & Sandy Narby

All of us at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home send our sincere condolences to you and your family.

Peggy DeSantis

Gail, Shirley and Marsha,
I just heard about Ronnie.  I am so sorry for your loss.  I met him a few times years back. I'll keep you and him in my prayers.
Your cousin
Trisha (Callahan) Connolly

Ronnie, This is Freddy Bourque.  I am so glad that I was able to visit you in May and be able to help you and share the many memories we had as kids and family. It did the "heart" good to reminisce and laugh at  at the ventures.  We had a good life  and you left a good legacy with your neighbors and they will not forget you.  You put up a good effort to overcome a big obstacle, but in the end it is God who decides who wins.  PRAY FOR US WHEN YOU GET TO HEAVEN.

Gail, I am so sorry for your loss. I like to believe that when we lose someone close to us they still live through us and give us strength.  The time we have spent with those we've lost makes them part of us. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

My Dear Brother Ronnie,  How much I love you.  May you rest in peace and know you will always be in my heart.   The neighbors will look after the neighborhood for you, just like you always rode you bike around to look after then and to be with them.  God Bless you and keep you in HIS care.  Your Sister Gail

OBITUARY

Ronald F. Schools

October 10, 1932 – August 29, 2010

Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens

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