Amherst – Ronald D. Lashway Sr., 72, died at home, Sunday May 22, 2022, surrounded by his family after a brief illness. He was born August 10, 1949 to the late Leo E. and Anna L. Lashway (Reynolds). He was born and raised in Amherst and a life-long communicant of St. Brigid’s Church. He attended Amherst schools and graduated from Amherst High School in 1967. He was a star soccer and baseball athlete, impressing others with his speed and earning him the nickname, “Flash”.

He graduated from the University of Stockbridge in 1971 and returned to schooling at the New England Institute in 1982 where he earned a degree in Mortuary Science to pursue his life-calling career as Funeral Director.
At a young age, following high school, Ronnie graduated from the Police Academy and served the community as an Amherst Police Officer until 1976. During the 1970s and early 1980s Ronnie was an avid softball player, scratch golfer, harness horse driver and trainer, co-restaurant owner with his wife Cyndy, and auctioneer and antique enthusiast. He excelled in anything he set his mind to, leaving some to admire his perfectionism.
Ronnie was deeply involved in the Amherst sports community and Amherst sports teams. He served as a well-known baseball umpire for Little League and Amherst High School baseball in the 1990s, carrying his iconic can of Pepsi wherever he went. He coached his daughter’s softball team and was an omnipresent fan at his children’s softball, soccer, baseball and football games. He even made an appearance with his pet squirrel, Harvey. 
Ronnie was a life-long supporter of the Town of Amherst and its athletics, in particular in North Amherst and the Cushman area where he was born and raised. He was a season ticket holder for UMass athletics. He loved striper fishing with his wife and vacation at Hampton Beach. In line with his faith and philosophy, Ronnie admired Coach Mike Krzyzewski, a family-first man, and was a devoted supporter of Duke basketball.
He was the founder and President of the Amherst Regional High School Athletic Alumni Association where he rallied the community to raise funds and put lights on Community Field, which started the Friday night football tradition. Through his leadership and resolve, his efforts led to new field scoreboards, needed team equipment, and a two-story Press Box where you could hear him volunteer his color commentary to announce the High School Football Games. One of his proudest moments was announcing the 1999 Football Season where the team won the first Super Bowl in 25 years, coached by his son, Ron Jr.
He and his wife Cyndy, who celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary earlier this year, purchased the Douglass Funeral Home in 1995. Side-by-side, they served Amherst and the surrounding communities and thousands of families as if they were their own. They believed in helping families during their most difficult times in their lives, and if they could make it a little easier, it was truly their reward.
Ron loved tooling around in his old “Blue” Chevy pick-up truck, and made a daily visit to J&J Farm to visit the girls (cows), feed a bottle to the calf and visit with his nephews, Butch and Mike. His love for animals extended to his treasured Siamese cats, Patience and Gunner; K9 Artie and grand-dog, Jax.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Cyndy I. (Borowski), of 50 years. He was the proud father to five children; his son, Ronald David Lashway Jr. and wife Tara; daughters Tammy Jean Stanley and Rick, Susan Ann Brand (Stanley) and husband Art, Colleen Lynn Ayres and husband Larry, and Jaimie Patricia Ruddock and Jimmy; He was “Grampy” to eight grandchildren; Marissa Janelle and Colin James Brand, Chase Ronald and Max David Lashway, and Morgan Reese, Miss Ivy “May”, Devin Thomas and Nicole Lauren Ayres. He is also survived by his three sisters, Patricia Connly, Loretta Hurston and Doris MacDonald and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers Donald, Leo and Robert “Buddy” Lashway and his sisters Beverly “Babe” Waskiewicz, Marrion Lovett and Shirley Borowski.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of Ronnie to V Foundation Cancer Research (14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513), Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst or St. Brigid’s Church of Amherst.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Brigid’s Church on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 10:00 AM with burial following at St. Brigid’s Cemetery in Hadley, MA. Calling Hours will be held at The Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst, MA. from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 26, 2022.