Ronal (Ronnie) Porter Hartwell

January 16, 1940 ~ May 11, 2021

Ronal (Ronnie) Hartwell, passed peacefully in his sleep at his home early Tuesday morning after a lengthy journey with multiple health issues.

Ronal Hartwell was known to all as Ronnie during his adult life although Butchie was the name he responded to during his childhood. Ronnie was raised on Lake Shirley in Massachusetts. On this lake his love of water and boats was born and would remain a life-long passion. His hometown was Lunenburg, Massachusetts, just 4 miles from Lake Shirley.

In addition to boats, Ronnie's passion extended to cars. Those who knew him well will not be surprised to learn that he was self employed for most of his working years. He owned and ran the Turn-4 garage, specializing in foreign car repairs.  Later he and his wife Sammie owned Tri City Marine which provided service and sales for all things marine! Ronnie loved a challenge and his independence and strong work ethic, plus the charm of a natural storyteller, made him a successful business owner.

Recently Ronnie restored a 1946 Chris-Craft boat which he rebuilt from a pile of wood pieces but that was only after he built a custom 1932 Hot Rod that was featured in Hot Rod Magazine and Hemmings Magazine.  That car will forever bear his name.

Sammie and Ronnie began dating in 1974 and married in 1982. They were married for 38 years and 361 days, but as Sammie says, "Who's counting?" Together they had found their soul mate and best friend, encouraging, and laughing, each step of a long and loving partnership.

In addition to his wife Sammie, Ronnie leaves four children and their partners, Keith and Angie Hartwell, Karen Hartwell and Dick Cote, Karey Hartwell, and Kim (Hartwell) and Peter Rizzo, as well as beloved grandchildren, one great granddaughter and a much anticipated second great granddaughter due this August.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the New Smyrna Beach United Church of Christ, 203 Washington Street, New Smyrna Beach 32168.

A celebration of Ronnie's life will be held at his home 2420 Taylor Rd, New Smyrna Beach 32168 at 2pm on Saturday, May 15, 2021.