1948 - 2025
Born on May 21, 1948, in Northbridge, Ronnie was the eighth of nine children of the late Gladys and Peter Nydam. He grew up in Upton and spent most of his adult life between Mendon and Milford.
A 1966 graduate of Nipmuc Regional High School, Ronnie worked tirelessly in his youth, delivering newspapers throughout Upton and holding jobs at Kelly’s Farm in Upton and Millie Mitchell’s in Mendon. After high school, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as a Seabee during the Vietnam War.
A gifted and self-taught mechanic and auto body technician, Ronnie had an unmatched talent for rebuilding and restoring cars—often merging two damaged vehicles into one that looked brand new. He owned and operated Central Mass Collision for many years, earning respect for his craftsmanship and dedication. Ronnie will be remembered for his love of the water, his passion for cars, and his fondness for Keno and cheeseburgers.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Rose (Nydam) Hemenway and Elsie (Nydam) Osterman; brothers Edward, Austin, Peter Jr., and Raymond Nydam; mother-in-law Dorothy Bentley; and father-in-law Walter “Grumpy” Bentley.
He is survived by his beloved wife, caregiver, and soulmate Patricia Bentley; his children Kris (Nydam) White and her husband Ken of Oregon, and their daughters Elizabeth and Rebekah; Jamie Nydam and his fiancée Hollie Papke of Milford, and Jamie’s children Skylar, Zachery, Joshua, Meghan, and Madelynne; Michael Brown and his partner Gina Harper of Hopkinton; and Caitlin (Bentley) Bartlett and her husband Doug Bartlett of Florida, along with their daughter Adriana Bartlett. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Knaack of Michigan, his brother Paul Nydam of Florida, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ronnie’s journey was enriched by countless friendships and family bonds, including the late Dianne (Weger) Nydam LaBounty, mother of his children, and his lifelong best friend and “partner in crime,” John MacLean.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 15, from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. at the Consigli-Ruggerio Funeral Home, 46 Water Street, Milford. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M., with burial immediately after at Hopedale Village Cemetery.
Ronnie will be remembered for his big heart, quick humor, and the mechanical genius that made him unforgettable to all who knew him.
