Ron Formisano

Ron Formisano passed away from congestive heart failure on Tuesday, February 20th after a wonderful weekend with Erica, Laura, and Matthew.

Born in Bristol, Rhode Island, New England was home but Chebeague Island was HIS home.

In the early 1970/s, Ron noticed a posting about renting a salt water farm on Chebeague for the summer. He rented different places on the island for the next several years, eventually purchasing the cobbler shop property.  Working and learning alongside many great island craftsmen, he was always proud of what he learned and who he was fortunate enough to know.  He eventually sold that island treasure and purchased what was David Dodd’s place on John Small Road.

A few years later, he met Erica Chiquoine at an alumnae function in South Portland where he was the “guest speaker” while on Chebeague during his sabbatical from Clark University.  A friendly “island tug of war” ensued between Chebeague Island and Orr’s Island. Marriage followed, as did Laura in 1989 and Matthew in 1991. 

Ron earned his BA at Brown University, where he played varsity football, and received his PhD from Wayne State University in Detroit.  Next was University of Rochester, Clark University, University of Florida and then University of Kentucky. He was the author of ten scholarly books and, more recently, Ron tried his hand at what he called “muckraking fiction” with a series of four detective novels, culminating in Audition for Hell (2023) He hoped these novels might convert casual readers to his historical efforts and his conviction that America had betrayed its noblest ideals.

He was a focused and energetic academic; he was a focused and energetic husband, father, chef, and sommelier, as well as a focused and energetic novelist who relished verbal and physical combat.  He was passionately loyal to all who successfully came through his warm and intimidating presence.

No matter where he taught, heading to Chebeague at the end of a school year was a non-negotiable migration.  Tennis, occasional golf, clamming, wind surfing, sailing, working in his study at the top of the hill, sitting on the front porch, looking out at the water, seeing year-round and summer islanders – all fed is soul.  The content of his days and months, the attention he paid to his health and wellbeing was attended to the goal of returning each summer to Chebeague.

Plans for a celebration of life during this summer are forthcoming.  Three organizations that Ron supported were the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, the Chebeague Island Historical Society, and the Chebeague Island Library. 

Ron and Erica

Ron with Bob Levey, Victor Andrade, Joe Confort, and Jim Van Fleet

Ron with Bob Lessing and Dave O'Donnell	Ron with Tink Lessing, Charlie Kuntz and Howard Coffin in back