Louis W. Ronga

Louis W., Ronga of Reading and Somerville, April 19, 2017. Beloved husband of Debra (Resmini) Ronga. Cherished father of Victoria Ronga, Robert Ronga, Debra Mirabile and her husband Peter and the late Talia Ronga. Devoted grandfather of Vanessa, Erica, Alicia, James, Kaylee and Matthew. Dear brother of Michael Ronga and his wife Maria, Louisa Rumson and her husband Richard and the late Antonetta Scibelli and Robert Ronga. Son of the late Roberto and Palmarina (Riccio) Ronga.

Louie was born in Quindici, Italy. After the death of his father, he was placed in an orphanage while his mother came to the U.S. to establish her new life. He emigrated to the U.S. with his brothers through Ellis Island at the age of thirteen when his mother was able to provide for her family. After working at Saia and Nicolosi bakeries where he learned his trade, he opened his own business, LaRonga Bakery, in 1969 in partnership with his brother, Mike. Louie worked long hours to help create a successful business and a Somerville landmark. Connecting with people was his passion, and his recent days were spent in the retail area of the business, talking to customers and having lunch with friends. Louie enjoyed traveling to new and old places. In 1999, he returned to his place of birth, and again in 2010 to experience the feast as he remembered it from his youth. Facebook became another of his passions because it allowed him to connect with people all over the world and it also became a forum for him to post pictures of the food he cooked. And he loved to cook. He shared his cooking with everyone. He never showed up at a function without bringing something—very often, his tools to make pizza! Louie was a fixture at the St. Athanasius Church Fair for over ten years, cooking and coordinating the food. He provided food for St. John's Soup Kitchen for almost as many years. Louie will be remembered also for his booming laugh, his love of family, and his generous heart.

Funeral from the Barile Family Funeral Home 482 Main St. (RT28) STONEHAM Wednesday April 26th at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Louis Eternal Life in St. Patrick's Church 71 Central St. Stoneham at 10am.

Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share remembrances with the family on Tuesday April 25th, 2017 from 12-8pm in the funeral home. Parking attendants and elevator available. Interment Woodend Cemetery, Reading.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of Louis to the orphanage Piccola Opera della Redenzione c/o Vincenzo Cartiera 221 Hickory Hill Lane Newington, CT 06111-4732