Ronald L. Atwood

Ronald Leslie Atwood, 89, of Orlando, Florida passed away on March 17, 2026. He was born on October 19, 1936, in Gloucester, Massachusetts to Stephen and Doris Atwood. He is predeceased by his daughter, Kristina (Atwood) Korte and his wife Mary Densmore Atwood; brothers, Peter Atwood and David Atwood; and sister, Stephanie Atwood. He is survived by his sons, Stephen [Sandra] Atwood, Michael [Denise] Atwood, Gerard [Lori] Atwood; grandchildren, Christopher Atwood, Cassie [Ruben] Suarez, Brandon [Cayla] Atwood, Janie Atwood, Lyn Atwood, Emily [Billy] Akos, and Keegan Butler; great-grandchildren, Isla Atwood, Jaina Atwood, Everly Suarez, and Blair Akos; and many more extended family members. Ron was born and raised in Gloucester, Massachusetts, along with his three siblings. Ron graduated from Gloucester High School in 1955 where he was Sophomore Class President. After high school graduation, he moved to Winter Park, Florida, and attended Rollins College where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in English in 1959. He attended Salem College where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Education in 1964. Ron taught at Gloucester High School from 1962 to 1966 and again from 1968 to 1972. He taught at Valencia Community College from 1972 to 1974. He started his tenure at Orange County Public Schools in 1975 and retired with 25 years of service in 2000. Most of his years was spent in Grant Services where many teachers, students and staff benefitted from his expertise writing grants. He met Mary Densmore on a blind date, they married on June 11, 1960, and recently celebrated their 65th anniversary. Mary and Ron started their married life in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and moved to Florida in 1973 with their four children. Mary and Ron had the opportunity to live in the Panama Canal Zone from 1966 to 1968. During this time, Ron taught English at Canal Zone College. He also sponsored the Debate Team. Ron was a Lecture at St James Catholic Cathedral for many years. He and Mary would often attend and enjoy the parish social gatherings. Ron learned to clog and was a member of the Rebel Cloggers at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with his son Gerard. Ron enjoyed vacationing with his family, especially his grandchildren. Many summers were spent returning to Massachusetts to see extended family as well as ski trips to various resorts throughout the United States. Ron’s focus was providing for his family by working hard. He also created at-home To-Do lists that included grocery shopping, paying bill and runs to the post office. He enjoyed researching for vacations and other activities. He enjoyed watching the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Rays games. Ron could easily talk to people and therefore made many friends and was well known. Services will be held at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, Orlando, with a Viewing at 10:00 am, Funeral Mass at 11:00 am and interment at Greenwood Cemetery, Orlando, at 12:30 pm. Reception to follow burial at Vanbarry’s Public House, Orlando.

Ronald L. Atwood

October 19, 1936 - March 17, 2026