Keohane Funeral Home

HINGHAM – Dr. Ronal George Rosso of Hingham, died on October 16 at the age of 87, under Hospice care in Scituate, Massachusetts. Jesuit educated in philosophy and sciences he pioneered mental health care to under privileged communities. Leaving academic research at Johns Hopkins he relocated to Boston with his family to complete his residency in medicine at Harvard University. In the early 70’s he launched urban community programs to assist victims and families of drug abuse. Throughout the mental health revival, he commuted extensively across the State to raise the quality of mental health delivery. He collected clinical research studies and treated acute cases of chronic mental illness. He was particularly instrumental in raising the level of psychiatric care at public hospitals.

Dr. Rosso became a clinical instructor in the department of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Tufts University School of Medicine. He served as the Medical Director of Quincy City Hospital, Taunton State Hospital, The Arbour Hospital, and Catholic Charities. He served as Director of other private outpatient mental health and psychiatric organizations.

Ron was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. Both his parents were professional musicians. At St. Ignatius High School, he forged a legacy of hard work excelling in math and liberal arts. He completed ROTC and served as first lieutenant during the Korean War.  Ron became an award-winning dance instructor with Arthur Murray Dance Studios during his years at the University of San Francisco and then at the University of California Berkley. He bypassed his undergraduate diploma and took early acceptance to Saint Louis University medical school. Ron met Gloria Chi, a master’s degree student in organic chemistry and they were married in 1958.

Ron had a passion for music and dance of all genres from classical to rap.  Even into his 60’s he competed in national dance competitions. He tinkered around with chord changes on piano and guitar and loved philosophical and theological conversations. A high school yearbook caption under his debate team photo reads “too many wise cracks”. Ron was always available for a witty comment and could call upon his charm.

Twice married, Ron is survived by his beloved three sons from his first marriage to Gloria Chi:  Ronal of Hong Kong, Eric of Hawaii, and Adrian and his wife Julie of Hingham. He is “Papa Ron” to his six cherished grandchildren, Victoria Henares and her husband John Henares, Kaimana, Jade, James, Matthew and Emily. Following the marriage and divorce of Ron and Kim Vo, resident of Quincy Massachusetts, Kim took up residence in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Dr. Ronal G. Rosso’s family invites relatives and friends to attend a funeral mass in his honor on November 24, 2017 at the Resurrection Church, 1057 St., Main Street, Hingham, MA at 10:00AM with a reception to follow. There will be a private burial at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 2:30. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, 10301 McKinstry Mill Rd., New Windsor, MA 21776-7903.