Ronald D Pires

Born on August 22, 1947, in Norwich, Ct., he was the son of the late John D. and Pearl L. (Hazard) Pires. Affectionately known as ‘Ronnie’ he was a lifelong resident of Connecticut, and graduate of Norwich Free Academy, who could often be found on a basketball court, enjoying his favorite game. Ronnie’s love and passion for basketball served as inspiration to others, where he transversed the courts from player to Coach.

Ronnie was a gentleman through and through, whose quick wit and charming smile could captivate and lift others up. Once he warmed to your presence, he would often be found cracking jokes or singing a song to brighten others’ day. His beautiful voice could carry a tune that would make the whole room stand still.

To further his education and defray the costs, Ronnie joined the Draftsman Program at Electric Boat in Groton, Ct. Through the program, Ronnie was able to attend Eastern State University graduating in 1971. As a student, Ronnie continued to pursue his passion for basketball, joining the men’s basketball team and earning several scholarships along the way. During Ronnie’s time on the court, he scored an impressive 1,372 points and helped the team to two New England State College Athletic Conference post-seasonal divisional titles, and three conference post-season appearances.

In 1979, Ronnie began coaching at E.O. Smith, where he coached for 43 years before taking a medical retirement in February 2023. Through his coaching career, Ronnie achieved 590 wins, cementing his place in history as one of basketball’s most successful coaches. In 1988, Ronnie was inducted into the Eastern State’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Along the way, Ronnie was recruited by the Boston Celtic’s but declined to join the team due to his innate fear of flying. In 2023, Ronnie was inducted into the Connecticut High School Associations Hall of Fame.

Off of the basketball courts, Ronnie could be found in the classroom where he worked at Helen Baldwin Middle School as a Science and Math teacher. Both on and off the basketball court, Ronnie served as a mentor to youth and young adults and forged lifelong friendships along the way. In his later years, he would often join his sister and brother-in-law, Pearl and Byron, on various golf courses throughout Rhode Island and Connecticut. He would proudly attend family gatherings and attend sporting and educational events honoring several nieces and nephews.

Ronnie will be sorely missed by his surviving sister, Pearl L. (Pires) Brown and her husband Byron O. Brown, of Bradford, R.I. and Melbourne, Fl; And brother Michael D. Pires, of Norwich, CT. He is also survived by his honorary family, to include Eric Hall, Cynthia Fournier, Tanner and Ashley Hall, and his loyal cat Luna. The family is deeply grateful to Eric and his family for opening their hearts and homes to Ronnie, a kindness that will stay with us forever.

In 2001, Ron was gifted a second chance at life when his closest friend, Eric Hall, donated a kidney to him. For the next 22 years, Ron would live the remainder of his days with the Hall Family, becoming a second father to his Godson, Tanner. Ron became a familiar face at Tanner’s retail business in Willimantic, spending several years helping customers and aiding in the day to day operations while asking for nothing in return. Ron forever entwined an unbreakable bond between the Hall and Pires families through his warmth, charity, and love.

He was predeceased by his brothers, John Pires Jr, Richard Pires, Arnold Pires, James Pires, Rinaldo Pires, Keith Pires, and beloved sisters Jean “Peggy” (Pires) Coyer and Pamela (Pires) Nival. He leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thank you to the doctors and nurses at the Hartford Hospital, and all other medical facilities where Ronnie was treated in his final days.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at Eastern State University Gymnasium (Room 201), 83 Windham Street, Willimantic, CT 06226, on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 2pm - 4pm. Parking will be outside the gymnasium with additional parking available in the parking garage. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich, St. Norwich. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his sister, Pearl L. Brown, P.O. Box 94, Bradford, RI 02808. A scholarship fund will be set-up in honor of Ronald D. Pires.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.churchandallen.com for the Pires family.