Following is the obituary for RONALD FRANCIS MALONE, a retired Westport police chief, submitted for his family by the Harding Funeral Home.

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Retired Police Chief Ronald F. Malone, 88, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025. A proud native of Westport, Ron always considered Westport his home, although he lived in Trumbull and Meriden over the past six years to be closer to family. 

Ron is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carol (formerly Davis); their two sons, Joe (Diane) and Bill (Michelle), and daughter-in-law, Sue; seven grandchildren, Michael, Kristen (Tom), Danielle (Eric), Brian, Matt, Alex and Jamie, and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Jimmy.

As a young adult, Ron ran a successful refuse business which he sold in 1968 to become a Westport patrolman. After a year on the force, he entered a federal narcotics task force. 

After 3½ years undercover, he returned to the police force. He was promoted to sergeant in 1975 after posting the highest score ever recorded on the promotion test given by the state personnel department. He became chief of detectives in 1977 and, in 1984, he became the chief of police. 

Ron loved his work with the Westport Police Athletic League. He was ahead of his time when it came to policing strategies and was well-respected by the entire force for his hands-on leadership and unwavering commitment to his officers and community. He knew leadership wasn’t about authority, it was about relationships and trust. 

Ron also loved his work with the Westport Police Athletic League. 

He retired in 1990 to spend more time with his family, who he loved dearly. He continued serving his community as a member of the Representative Town Meeting for 16 years.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ron was known for his gift of connecting with people. Whether family, friend, colleague or stranger, Ron’s kindness and humor were felt by everyone he encountered. Ron had a way of putting things in perspective, breaking down complicated situations with humor, patience and wisdom. 

Always the storyteller, Ron was a friend to all and treated everyone with dignity and respect. 

Ron was an avid photographer, and in his retired years, enjoyed art, both admiring the work of others and creating his own, listening to music, gardening, visiting museums, spending time at the library and enjoying time with his grandchildren.

Ron will be dearly missed by all who knew him, he truly was one of a kind.

A wake will be held on Saturday, April 5, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., with a funeral service at 1 p.m. at Harding Funeral Home, 210 Post Road East.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Westport Police Athletic League online or mailed to 50 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880. Condolences for the Malone family may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com.

The family would like to express its grateful appreciation to all the staff at the Village of Kensington Place for the loving and compassionate care provided to Ron (and Carol) over the past five years.

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Westport Journal publishes obituaries of people who lived in Westport or have life connections to the community. To submit an obituary, send the notice and a high-resolution photo to press@westportjournal.com. There is no charge.