SOUTH PORTLAND - Ronald Charles Caselden, 80, passed away April 16, 2018, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, with his loving family by his side, after a several-month battle with heart failure.
Ron was born April 3, 1938, in Portland, the son of James A. and Elsie (Martinson) Caselden.
He attended local schools in South Portland. While in high school, he was an outstanding athlete in basketball, and was considered a standout line ace in football. He was class officer all four years of high school, and was voted class Romeo by his classmates his senior year, graduating in 1957.
Ron was accepted at Bates College with a half football scholarship, and Colby College with a half basketball scholarship, but wasn't originally accepted at the University of Maine.
He went to the University of Maine in Portland in 1958, and later transferred to the University of Maine, Orono, and graduated in 1962 with a degree in history.
During his college career, he added distinction on the football team as a center and linebacker. He was good enough to play briefly for the Denver Broncos, until a Marine commitment aborted his pro-career in favor of 13-months service in Vietnam.
Ron joined the The Marine Corps in 1963, and went to Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Va., and Artillery Officers School in Fort Sill, Okla., and later served as a field artillery officer. He was honorably discharged in 1966.
Ron met his future wife, Patty, at the Moustache Cup in Portland in 1966. They were married April 15, 1967, at Holy Cross Church in South Portland and just celebrated 51 years together.
He worked at GTE Sylvania in Standish as a production manager for over 25 years, retiring in 1993.
One of Ron's favorite places on earth was the family cottage at Sebago Lake, where he loved to fish, hunt, swim, watch the Red Sox with his father, and spend time with family.
Ron was predeceased by his parents, James A. and Elsie (Martinson) Caselden. He is survived by his wife, M. Patricia (Horton) Caselden; his daughter, Jennifer Caselden; his son, Ronald "Chuck" Caselden and wife, Donelle; his brother, Jim Caselden; his sister, Laura Wolford and partner, Alan Wallace; his sister, Cathy McIntire; his grandchildren, Joshua Allen, Jessica Allen and Grace Caselden; as well as many nieces, nephews and in-laws.
He is lovingly remember by his family and all who knew him. He was a good man, an intelligent, caring and loving man, and will be very sadly missed by all.
The family would like to give special thanks to the Maine Medical Center staff at R7 and CICU for their compassionate care and support.
Visiting hours will be held from 4-7 p.m., April 23, at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home,199 Woodford St., Portland. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 9 a.m., April 24, at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.
Please visit www.JonesRichandBarnes.com to offer condolences and share your stories for Ronald's family.
