Ronald Carl Szarlan, DDS

Ronald C. Szarlan, DDS, 82, passed away October 7, 2024 at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Born in Springfield on September 11, 1942 to the late Bronislaw and Victoria (Prokop) Szarlan, he was a lifelong Ludlow resident. Ronald graduated from Cathedral High School and earned his undergraduate degree from Dayton University before obtaining his doctorate at Marquette University.

For over 45 years, he dedicated himself to his patients at Ludlow Family Dentistry, earning a reputation for his compassionate care, retiring in 2015. He proudly served in the Air National Guard for 33 years, retiring in 2001 with the rank of Brigadier General. Dr. Szarlan was also a favorite instructor in STCC’s Dental Hygiene program starting in 2008. His warm friendly presentation of the dry subject of Pharmacology was appreciated by his students. He was a faithful parishioner of Christ the King Church where he was a member of its Men’s Guild.

He leaves his wife of 55 years, Alexandra (Sienkiewicz) Szarlan; his daughters, Karla Szarlan of Ludlow, Lydia Szarlan-Baltrush and her husband David of Torrington, CT, and Cynthia Apple and her husband Adam of Ludlow and his sister, Elaine Montague of Ludlow.

Ronnie loved polka music, in college he played in a polka band called The Lonely Bachelors. He also loved landscaping, being outdoors, smoking cigars, and believed in the power of positive thinking and the unlimited potential of people.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024 from 4-7pm at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Indian Orchard. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 assembling at the funeral home at 10am and proceeding to Christ the King Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Aloysius Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online at www.alz.org. To express online condolences, please visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

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