Ronald A. Jakola

ATHOL - Ronald A. Jakola, 69, of 416 Main St., Athol, died Saturday, August 8, 2009 at The Highlands in Fitchburg, after an illness. He was born in Fitchburg on November 19, 1939, the son of the late Unto and the late Eunice (Bennett) Jakola. Mr. Jakola was raised and educated in Fitchburg and Leominster. He worked for the former Fitchburg Crocker as a machinist for 18 years. He moved to Claremont, New Hampshire, with his family and worked for Claremont Flock for many years. Mr. Jakola returned to Leominster in 1985 and has been a resident of Athol for fourteen years. He was employed by Verti-Pile in Leominster and Kamentstiens Spice Factory in Winchendon until his retirement in 2001. Mr. Jakola was a former member of the Athol-Orange Lodge of the Elks. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He enjoyed spending time with his dog, Sadie Marie, his bird, Koko, and especially enjoyed time spent with his family. He leaves his wife of thirty years, Nettie E. (Cole) Jakola; two daughters, Sherry Potvin and Deborah Mellen, both of Leominster; one brother, Peter Jakola of Leominster; four step daughters, Cecile Bresette of Maryville, TN, Suzanne Patterson and her husband Lawrence of Orange, Donna Campbell of Athol, Dianne Blake of Gardner; three step sons, Philip Bedor and his wife Roxanne of NC, Kevin McGivern of Barre, Harold McGivern III and his wife Melinda of Orange; his mother-in-law, Nettie Cole of East Haven, VT; five grandchildren, 29 step grandchildren, thirty step great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Rhonda Lee Richard, on April 1, 2009, and by his step son, Mark McGivern, on March 7, 1999. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Murphy Funeral Home, 137 Main St., Athol. Burial will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2009 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to American Cancer Society's New England Division Office, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. $(document).ready(function(){ });