Ron Tremper died peacefully on December 22, 2024 at HopeHealth Hospice Center in Providence. With him was his wife of 50 years, Kate Kavanagh and his children—son Jamie Tremper of Milford, MA and his daughter, Casey Tremper of Newport, RI. He is also survived by his much loved daughter-in-law, Mary and grandsons, Owen, Gabe and Jack. Ron also leaves his sister Carol Schneider and her family of Ohio and his sister Judy Smith and her family of New Jersey.
Ron was a native of Matawan, New Jersey. He attended Drew University and later earned an MBA from the University of Rhode Island. He was a long time administrator at RI Department of Mental Health working with community mental health centers and acquiring and overseeing federal grants for the department. After retiring in 2012, Ron volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, often serving as a construction team leader, teaching volunteers carpentry skills. He loved that he “helped build dreams.”
Music was important to Ron. It was rare for him to have a moment without it. Ron loved it all— rock, country, Celtic, blues…. He taught his kids early about The King (Elvis), the Boss (Bruce Springsteen) and Meatloaf. He is also appreciated for bringing music to the Habitat job sites!
Ron played rugby at Drew and later for the Providence Rugby Club and has always loved the sport. He also coached and refereed soccer in Rehoboth for his two kids and for several travel teams-another sport he loved. Ron trained other coaches and referees - always emphasizing his belief that if kids really understood “the beautiful game”, they would enjoy it more.
Ron was an active guy. He built his own home & barn, chopped and split his own fire wood and loved to kayak. He and his family are longtime summer residents of Roy Carpenter’s Beach in Matunuck, RI. He loved the ocean and enjoyed swimming with Kate’s large family and especially with his grandsons. He enjoyed watching football with his local friends and having a beer or two at Buzzards Bay Brewing regularly.
Ron was our show off cook, famous for his wonderful chili and perfectly cooked whole tenderloin on the grill, not to mention his “grilled and dilled” salmon! He was a welcoming host and generous friend, quick to help and reluctant to ask for help. He was known for zero patience but 100% thoughtfulness.
Ron and his family ask that, in lieu of cards, food, or flowers; donations (monetary or time) be sent in his memory to South County Habitat for Humanity P O Box 68, Shannon, RI 02875.
Services for Ron will be private.
