Ronald Tata

Ronald Anthony Tata, 80 of Bristol, devoted father, grandfather, partner and friend, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, September 30, 2024.

Born on May 19, 1944, in Leominster, MA, he was the only son of Angelo and Esther (Tisone) Tata.   Ron's journey through life was marked by his steadfast commitment to his family, friends and faith, along with his unrelenting zest for knowledge. He received his education from Notre Dame High School, pursing his undergraduate degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and later earning his Masters from the University of Illinois.  Ron was an all-star athlete, playing football and wrestling all throughout his adolescence. Ron had a successful career as a civil engineer, working for various global companies, including Mobile, and eventually venturing into self-employment under the title “R.T. Engineering”. His passion for numbers, facts, and meticulously kept and maintained spreadsheets set him apart in his field, and this organized and methodical nature was evident in every fiber of his life.

Approaching conversations with his signature phrase, "Let me get this straight," Ron was a lifelong Democrat with a uniquely thorough way of proving his points.  He was a devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Matthew’s Church who found solace in the words of the Bible. A man of simple pleasures, he indulged in the pages of Time Magazine, enjoyed racketball and swimming in his adulthood and fulfilled his political interests by watching CNN. He lived humbly, always valuing frugality while being exceedingly generous to those in need. His resourcefulness knew no bounds, often attempting to repair items on own before ever considering “hiring out”, a true testament to his practicality, self-reliance and uncanny problem-solving abilities.  A lover of all things American-made, Ron's commitment to quality and authenticity extended to his choice of automobiles, with Lincolns being his ultimate favorite. He was an advocate for education, instilling its importance in his family and exemplifying the value of learning through his own academic achievements and interests.  Remembered for his guiding principles, wisdom, generosity, quirkiness and sense of humor, he loved his family deeply and will be missed dearly.

He is survived by his daughters, Julie Kowalczyk, her husband Ryan, and Laura Ferraro, along with his pride and joy–his grandchildren– Jackson and James Cipes, Christian Ferraro and his "Sweet Pea" Lucy Kowalczyk, as well as his loving and faithful “super partner in crime”, Mary Pat Wirkus and her family.  He also leaves his son, Michael Tata and his dear friends, who were like family, Gary Bossack, Fred LaBerge, Barbara Wheeler and the late Andy Kudarauskas.

In lieu of flowers, Ron may be remembered with contributions to Connecticut Foodshare, an organization that he generously supported, http://www.ctfoodshare.org or to Autism Speaks at http://www.autismspeaks.org

Family and friends may gather on Friday, from 5-7 p.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, meeting directly at St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave. Forestville.  Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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