Loved to travel, Led Zeppelin fan and chess player
MELROSE — Ronald Albert Weekley, 74, of Melrose passed away peacefully on July 15. He was surrounded by loved ones during his final days.
Ron was born on December 24, 1948 to Albert and Teresa (Cersosimo) Weekley in Denver, CO. The family returned to MA shortly after his birth and Ron was raised in Peabody. He graduated from St. John’s Prep in Danvers in 1967 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Salem State College, where he met the love of his life, Charlene Weekley. They married the summer after graduation in 1971.
After graduation, Ron worked as a college librarian while earning his master’s in library sciences from Simmons College. Ron and Charlene moved to Melrose and Ron began his lifelong career as the librarian at Saugus High School. Later, he also worked at the Saugus Public library in the evenings, as well.
Ron and Charlene met and fell in love instantly as freshman in college and were lifelong partners, celebrating 51 years of marriage together. They welcomed their daughter, Alison, in 1976 and their son, Justin, in 1978. But their family wasn’t complete until this year when they welcomed their 4th grandchild.
Ron loved his job as a high school librarian tremendously. His library was unique in that it was not only a place for learning and discovery, but also a refuge and a sanctuary for students for over 30 years. Students would often retreat to the library if they were having a tough day or just needed someone to talk to. Ron’s dedication to the students of Saugus High was tremendous.
Retiring in 2011 was a difficult decision because he was torn between his two greatest loves: his students and his grandchildren. Ron and Charlene joyfully watched their grandchildren for over 12 years, taking them on many adventures of museums and nature discovery points across New England.
Ron was a loving family man who completely dedicated himself to his family. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He enjoyed spending time at his vacation home near Newfound Lake with family, friends and neighbors there. He made many great memories snowmobiling, canoeing or just “puttering around” in the woods. His friends will always remember his great sense of humor.
Ron and Charlene loved to travel and they visited many European countries, the Canadian Rockies and many western American national parks. Ron loved music of all kinds and was an avid Led Zeppelin fan. He also loved to play chess and taught his grandson to be “his most worthy opponent.” He was a hands-on father and grandfather, spending hours playing with his grandkids. They will cherish these joyful memories always.
Anyone who knew Ron knew that he was the most loving father, grandfather and spouse a family could ask for. Ron was predeceased by his mother, Teresa and his father, Albert. He is survived by his wife, Charlene; daughter, Alison Costello; son, Justin (Jamie) Weekley; and grandchildren: Jake and Taylor Costello; and Leo and Lucy Weekley.
A graveside service for immediate family members only is planned for Friday, July 21. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the DCI Dialysis Clinic in Somerville. To sign online condolence, visit www.gatelyfh.com.
