Ronald Porter Sage (Ron) 76 years old recently of Leesburg, FL and originally from North Adams, MA/Readsboro, VT passed away on Monday, January 29, 2019 at home with Hospice and his loved ones by his side.  Ron was born in Wilmington, VT on March 20, 1942 to Wallace and Mary Thelma Sage.  He left school to join the Marine Crops in 1959, serving for 4 years.  Ron traveled the Pacific Ocean on the USS John Kennedy to the Philippines, Thailand, and Japan, and later served the rest of his term in Quantico, VA.  He was instrumental in working with the United Paper Makers Union to establish a union for the workers of Deerfield Glassine of Monroe Bridge, MA.  Ron also worked as an assistant Union Representative in serving other mills with union business. He always believed in a fair representation for the employees against management.  Ron loved working with children as well.  During the 1980's when he and his wife raised their 4 children in Readsboro, VT, Ron turned part of their home into an arcade for the children in town because the nearest arcade was 20 miles away.  This gave the kids a place to go and be off of the streets.  He also served as a Boy Scout leader whom enjoyed working with the boys.  At this time, Ron was also a member of the Bennington County Sheriff's Department.  Ron was an active member of the American Legion Post 125 of North Adams in his later years.  He served two terms as District One Commander of Massachusetts and 3 years with the Massachusetts Boys State Committee, as well as a member of the Marine Corp League.

Ron is preceded in death by his son, Michael Leo Sage of North Adams, MA; his parents, Wallace J. and Mary Thelma Sage of Hudson, FL/Wilmington, VT; and his brother, Wallace J. Sage, Jr. of Roanoke, VA.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years, Barbara J. Sage; his three children and their spouses:  Ronald P. Sage, Jr. and his wife Betsy, of North Adams, MA; Heather J. Sage of Leesburg, FL; and Penelope H. Sage and her husband, Robert Lescarbeau of Greenville, SC. His seven grandchildren:  Nicole L. Sage and her partner, Kyle Maselli of North Adams, MA; Lindsey H. Bullett of North Adams, MA; Brittany J. Sage and her partner, Michael Dever of Eustis, FL; Courtney T. Sage and her partner Troy Hartlage of Savoy, MA; Meaghan E. Sage and her partner, Matt Smith of Burlington, VT; Jenna H. Benoni of Nashville, TN; Joseph M. Benoni and his partner Kristen Lee of Cheshire, MA.  His three great grandchildren:  Emerson S. Bullett and John P. Maselli of North Adams, MA: and Lincoln P. Dever of Eustis, FL.  His five step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandson.  His four siblings:  Barbara Sparks and her husband, Harold, of Newfane, VT; Reginald Sage and his sife, Heidi, of Hinesville, GA; Randall Sage and his wife , Betty of Spring Hill, FL; and Gary Sage of Searsburg, VT; as well as special in-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends, Robert and Isabel Bosley as well as their family.

A celebration of Life for Ron will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.  Donations in Ron's name can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.