Ronald G. McGilvray

Ronald G. McGilvray, 88, of Marlborough, MA died peacefully on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at his home surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was the husband of Mary A. (Quaranto) McGilvray for the past 68 years. 

He was born, raised and educated in Waltham, MA; the son of the late Reece and Florence (Larosee) McGilvray. He owned and operated Castle Metal Finishing Services in Hudson, MA for many years.

Ron and Mary moved to Canton in 1963, where they raised their family and lived for 30 years.  While in Canton, Ron enjoyed coaching little league, softball and women’s ice hockey. He was an early advocate for women in sports and founded one of the first women’s ice hockey programs in the area. He instilled his love of sports in his children, and as they grew, he could often be seen cheering for them along the sidelines. He was also an active member of the Canton Council of the Knights of Columbus.

Ron was an avid chess player and passed along this passion to his children and grandchildren. Music was an important part of Ron’s life and he enjoyed taking road trips to attend festivals and concerts. He had a beautiful voice and often sang karaoke at local restaurants. Ron took great pleasure in camping and hiking with family. Many fond memories were created while camping at Moose Hillock Campground in New Hampshire.

He is survived by six children; Ronald McGilvray, Jr. and his wife Nica of Framingham, MA; Donna Whiffen and her husband Lewis of Sharon, MA, Margaret Ann McGilvray and her husband Bruce Malley of Salem, MA, Suzanne McGilvray and her husband Jose Alvarez of East Corinth, VT, Lisa Anastos and her husband Philip Roberson of Middletown, RI and Linda McGilvray and her husband Pierre LaPointe of Marlborough, MA; He is also survived by 14 grandchildren; Kelly, Scott, Samantha, Tara, Mario, Gabriel, Pascal, Andrew, Alexa, Adam, Julian, Leyla, Luc, Julien. In addition, he is survived by four great grandchildren; James, Gabriella, Hannah, and Noah. He was predeceased by his siblings; Reece, Raymond, Sylva (Langevin), Kenneth, Janet, Florence (Lash), Martha (Tambascio), Robert and Thomas.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, March 6th at Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough, MA. from 4:00-6:00 PM, followed by a gathering at the Marriott Courtyard, Marlborough. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to VNA Hospice - Fund Development Office, 199 Rosewood Drive, Suite 180, Danvers, MA 01923. All are invited to sign Ronald’s online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com.