BURNHAM — Ronald F. Spiegel, beloved father, grandfather, brother, educator, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on December 23, 1939, in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of Hermann and Selma Spiegel of Seekonk, Massachusetts. Ron was one of five children: Karin, Ronald, Christa, Curt, and Stephanie.

Ron’s life was marked by a love of family, nature, and learning. He pursued higher education at the University of Maine at Orono, where he met his lifelong partner and love, Sheilya Eileen Wood. The two married and spent 43 devoted years together, eventually settling in Burnham, Maine, to raise their three children: Heidi, Franz, and Kristyon.

Their home was more than a house—it was a farm teeming with life. From French Alpine goats and chickens to geese, a donkey, cows, pigs, and even the occasional orphaned wild animal, Ron and Sheilya nurtured a life rich in care and connection to the natural world. He was especially fond of raising several wild crows, and a raven named Isaac was a particular highlight. Isaac adored Ron, and the bond they shared was truly special. Throughout their farm life, Ron and Sheilya were also blessed with several dogs—Yogi, Rudy, Luther, and Ilse—each of whom became beloved members of the family. It was a life grounded in simplicity, love, and the rhythm of rural Maine.

One of Ron’s enduring passions was his expansive and eclectic collection of vehicles and parts. He had a strong appreciation for unique finds and endless enthusiasm for imagining their potential. Whether it was with a hope for restoring, repurposing, or simply dreaming, Ron found great joy in the possibilities each piece held.

Professionally, Ron dedicated his life to education. He began as an elementary school teacher, became a principal, and ultimately found his calling as a guidance counselor. He spent many meaningful years at Warsaw Junior High in Pittsfield before moving on to Lawrence Senior High School in Fairfield. His quiet strength, compassion, and wisdom touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and families throughout his career.

After Sheilya’s passing in 2004, Ron carried her memory with him. His profound sadness would later give way to a close friendship, and eventually love, with Nancy Edge, whose companionship brought him renewed joy and comfort in his later years. He is survived by his fiancée, Nancy Edge.

He is also survived by his daughter, Heidi Nolan, and her husband, Chris, and their three children, Kyle, Aaron, and Hannah; his son Franz Spiegel; and his son Kristyon Spiegel, and his wife, Tenney, and their two children, Charles and Emma, along with Charles's wife, Alia. He is additionally survived by Kyle's fiancée, Olivia, and Aaron's partner, Dilara. Ron is also survived by all four of his siblings, their spouses and partners, and many nieces and nephews.

Ron will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by the many family, friends, former students, and acquaintances he made along life’s journey.

A private family gathering will be held graveside for Ron in the coming weeks, and later this summer, a public Celebration of Life will be held, with time and place still to be determined.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.