Ronald “Ron” E. Stilwell, 59, passed away Thursday, (March 1, 2007) after a brief illness. Born in Utica, NY to Esther (Hunziker) and Elmer Stilwell on February 20, 1948 he has been a resident of the Hartford area since 1972. He was a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Ron leaves so many to celebrate his memory including his wife, soulmate, and best friend of 35 years Nancy (Rademan) Stilwell, his adoring children Carolyn Stilwell Wolverton and son-in-law Tom Wolverton, Kathryn Stilwell, John Evans and daughter-in-law Gemma, and his two cherished grandchildren, Maia and Zev Wolverton, who were the light of his life. He also leaves his sister, Irene Cool, his brother, Richard Stilwell and many nieces and nephews. Ron was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Kenneth Stilwell. Ron graduated from the University of Rochester and received his Masters degree from the Hartford Graduate Center. He worked at Colt Firearms for 20 years starting as a trainee and finishing as president. In 1992 he founded his own company, Ronan Corp. Ron had a special gift for connecting with people and he touched more lives than even he ever knew. He was a wonderfully gentle, generous and caring person who was loved by many and respected by all. His unique ability to make people feel at ease and at home is evident by the hole that his passing leaves in so many lives. Ron leaves a powerful legacy of integrity, balance and the ability to live life fully, productively and happily and a challenge to emulate the values by which he guided his life. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 9th, 10:30 a.m. at the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Rochester Scholarship Fund or to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Hartford.