In Memory of Ronald D. Marcy (July 6, 1936 – January 4, 2024)

We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Ronaald D. Marcy who died on January 4, 2024 at the age of 87.

Ron was born on July 6, 1936, in Ware, MA to Kenneth Marcy and Helen Marcy. He grew up in Palmer, MA, and was born and raised a Universalist. Ron graduated high school in 1954; earned his Bachelor of Arts cum laude with a major in philosophy from Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware in 1958, following which he received his Master of Divinity from St. Lawrence Theological School, NY in 1961.

Rev. Marcy was ordained on June 21, 1961, by Saint Paul’s Universalist Church, Palmer, MA. In 1961, he accepted a call from the Middletown UU Fellowship, NY where he would serve until 1966. Thereafter, he served his settled ministry at the First Parish Church Kingston UU, MA for ten years (1966-1976). From 1977 to 1985, Rev. Marcy was UU Interdistrict Representative for Connecticut Valley, Metro New York, Joseph Priestley, Districts. He then was interim minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Concord, NH (1987-1988) and the First UU Society of Syracuse; NY (1988-1989). At Syracuse, he helped the congregation maintain its momentum, move toward a more mature liberal community, and integrate fuller into the denomination. In 2002, he retired after forty-one years of ministry. After retirement, he moved to Wakefield, RI, and became a member of the UU Congregation of South County, RI where he served as a treasurer from 2005 to 2013.

Rev. Marcy served the denomination as vice president of the Ballou Channing District (1969-1970) and as a Ministerial Settlement Representative (1970-1975). He proudly marched in Selma, AL with many other UU ministers.

Ron was active in community organizations such as the Legal Aid Society, the Head Start Program, and UNICEF. He was chaplain for the Eagle Engine Co., and the Middletown Fire Department (1961-1966); and served as director and vice-president for the Orange County Legal Aid Society (1965-1966); and as a board member (1969-1970), and president (1971) for the New England Hemophilia Association.

In his spare time, Ron enjoyed chess, jogging/walking, sailing, and cryptography. He was a passionate devotee of chess and bridge. His brilliant problem-solving abilities enabled him to become an outstanding player of both games. He was a lover of animals, especially cats and dogs. His sense of humor was a source of great amusement. He and his wife Judith loved traveling and made memorable trips to France, England, and Belgium, as well as many interesting visits throughout the United States.

Ron is survived by his wife Judith (Klein) Marcy; his two children: Glenn Lawrence Blumberg, and Suzanne Lynn Marcy; sister Joan Allen; as well as his two nephews: Mark, and David Allen. He was preceded in death by his only grandchild, Emily Rose Blumberg.

Ron’s ashes will be laid to rest by his family this Spring in his beloved Palmer, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County, 27 North Road, Peace Dale, RI 02879, for a Memorial Leaf in his honor for its Tree of Life; or The WARM Center, 56 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI 02891; or The Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County, 61 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879.

Notes of condolences can be written here.