Ronald J. Pugh

Mr. Ronald J. Pugh, a lifelong resident of Saugus, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family after a valiant 23-year battle with brain cancer on Friday, April 12, 2024. He was 57.

Ron was born in Melrose on January 14, 1967, the middle of five children of the late Ralph and Elizabeth (Finley) Pugh. He was raised in Saugus where he graduated from Saugus High School, and received his bachelor’s degree from University of Lowell. On May 15, 1994 he married the love of his life and best friend, Lisa Bickford, and they stayed in Saugus to raise a family of 3 children. With a methodical and practical mind, Ron excelled in his role as a software engineer for many years.

Ron was diagnosed with brain cancer in July of 2002, and never stopped living, laughing, and loving. Through years of treatment, Ron pushed with amazing strength to experience the things he loved most, his family. He was a committed and chivalrous husband to Lisa and a doting, and ardent supporter of his children, Victoria, Ryan and Kaitlyn. Amidst the many health challenges that he faced, his commitment and dedication to his wife and children grew stronger and his impact on others more profound. His strong family values instilled within him were passed along to his children through his unrelenting presence at every event, sports game and activity.

Ron was unstoppable. His perseverance and resilience to live life to the fullest despite his diagnosis was inspiring to all who knew him. He entered weekly 5k road races, ran a half marathon, and finished a Spartan Race in 2013, all while balancing his own health, work, and responsibilities of a loving husband and father. He inspired those around him with his love for gardening, especially his numerous carrots and the “best” tomatoes. He loved reading, doing puzzles and playing board games with the kids. An outdoors lover, he sought opportunity to be outside whether running at Breakheart Reservation, gardening, taking a drive to the ocean for a polar plunge, or his favorite destination, waterfalls. He often visited the Cascades in the Middlesex Fells to hike and soak in the beauty of the waterfall.

He also enjoyed the simple pleasures in life by starting his day with a cup of coffee with Lisa (and cat Sadie), perusing his iPad, or going for a swim in the pool on a hot summer day. He loved his Toyota Tundra pick up, supported the local Boston sports teams, and picked up playing hockey as an adult.

Above all, Ron clearly demonstrated and took pride in his most important role in life as a husband and father. His loyalty, dedication, and perseverance were a testament to the strength of his love for family. A wonderful, handsome, “adorable” guy with a great laugh, Ron was truly one of the best. Ron’s loving presence and steadfast determination will be sorely missed, but his inspired life will carry on in the hearts and minds of his family.

Ron was the beloved husband of Lisa J. (Bickford) Pugh with whom he shared 30 years of marriage. Devoted father of Victoria Pugh, Ryan Pugh, and Kaitlyn Pugh, all of Saugus. Loving brother of Ralph Pugh and his wife Julie of Amesbury, Diane Jackson and her husband Roy of Plaistow, NH, Robert Pugh of Saugus, and David Pugh and his wife Vilma of Newton, NH. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to gather in honor of Ron’s life during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose, on Tuesday, April 16 from 4-8pm, and again on Wednesday morning at 8:45am before leaving in procession to Grace Chapel, 59 Worthen Rd., Lexington for his Funeral Service celebrated at 10am. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Ron to support Dr. David Reardon's Research Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.  Please write checks to Dana-Farber and include Dr. Reardon's Research Fund in the memo, or online at www.dfci.org/give