Ronald C. Christensen, 86, of Palm City, Florida, and formerly of East Hartford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on August 11, 2022 in the loving care of his family.  Born January 22, 1936 to the late Thomas P. and Ethel (Smith) Christensen, Ron was raised in East Hartford where he attended public schools, graduating from East Hartford High School in 1955.  Later that year he married his high school sweetheart and true love of his life, Loretta Calabrese.

Ron was a proud US Navy aviation veteran, serving his country aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal.  Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Ron became employed with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and remained there throughout his professional career, retiring in 1992 as Operations Manager of its Middletown, CT Plant.  Ron continued with Pratt & Whitney for a year after retirement as Director of Operations in a joint venture with Samsung Aviation in Korea to facilitate a new program for the manufacture of jet aircraft engines.

Retirement brought the opportunity for travel, and Ron and Loretta traveled extensively, visiting many national and international destinations.  But the place he loved most was his lakefront summer home in the woods of northern Maine, with a picturesque view of Mount Katahdin.  It was here that he created his most cherished memories.

Winters were spent at their family home in Palm City, Florida.  Ron was very active in his community, serving as board member and president of his residential homeowners association for many years.

In addition to Loretta, his wife of 66 years, Ron is survived by his daughter, Kim Parenteau and her husband Ron of Palm City, Florida, son Ron Christensen and his wife Oum of Manchester, Connecticut, son Rae Christensen of East Hartford, Connecticut, grandchildren Jennifer Christensen, Jordan Christensen, Karin (Daniel) Moen, Christopher (Meagan) Parenteau, Benjamin Christensen, Maxwell Christensen, and great-grandchildren Jacob, Julia, Garrett and Kristina.  Ron was predeceased by his grandson, Jeremy Christensen.

Services will be Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 11am at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Palm City, Florida.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.