Ronald J. F. McAllister

YORK, MAINE – Ronald J.F. McAllister died at the age of 81 at his home in York, Maine on Thursday, October 23, 2025. After a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer only 12 weeks prior, he passed peacefully with his devoted wife of 57 years, Judith, by his side.

Raised in Lawrence and Andover, Massachusetts, Ron attended Central Catholic High School, graduating in 1962, then Merrimack College where he received a B.A. in Social Sciences in 1966. He received a M.A. in 1968 and a Ph.D. in 1971 from Duke University in North Carolina. His first academic post was in 1971 as a Professor of Sociology at the University of California at Riverside. In 1977 Ron and Judith moved back east to Bedford, Massachusetts where they raised their sons. For 18 years Ron worked as Department Chair, Professor, and eventually Associate Dean for Arts & Sciences at Northeastern University in Boston. As a practitioner Ron published several books and journal articles on the sociology of religion, research methods, and managing conflict. His research eventually brought his family to Northern Ireland in 1990, a sabbatical that gave him the opportunity to study peace and conflict resolution and gave his family the opportunity to experience life in another country.  In 1997 he joined Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania as Provost, where he spent 9 years (including serving as Acting President in 2001-2002).

After 35 years in higher education, Ron and Judith retired to York, Maine. There Ron continued writing – a fiction novel, poetry, and more than 460 articles for the York Weekly newspaper. He loved riding his bicycle on his daily “loop” up Route 1A. He developed a passion for baking sourdough, taking a researcher’s approach: Methodically tracking changes in his Excel “sBREADsheet” to customize the perfect loaf. Instead of receiving gifts, Ron would mark his own birthday by gifting others – a paella feast for 50 people, a custom sourdough loaf, or a pizza party in his hand made outdoor oven. 

He spent his life connecting people – whether inviting strangers to his home, facilitating community dialogues, or volunteering on town boards. Through his bi-weekly article, “The Observer,” he advocated for community organizations whose missions mirrored his own lifelong pursuits: Peace, justice, and care for the environment.

Ron was a highly thoughtful and ethical man with a strong sense of empathy for humanity. He made friends in every place he ever lived and will be deeply missed by all of them, especially his York “mates” and so many of his former students, colleagues, and distant admirers of his well-lived life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judith, their six sons and their wives – Pat and Denise of Brookline, Massachusetts, Ben and Tricia of Brighton, Michigan, Nat and Lisa of Cape Neddick, Maine, Mike and Meg of Bedford, Massachusetts, Joe and Rebecca of Grand Marais, Minnesota, and Nick and Ria of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – and 15 grandchildren: Nora, Maddie, Anya, Hayden, John, Flynn, Kate, Elouise, Eamon, Levi, Idella, Gideon, Lex, June, and Milo. They miss him dearly.  He was predeceased by his parents, John B. McAllister and Rolande (Rheaume) McAllister and is survived by his older brother, Jack, of Richmond, Virginia. “I have had a wonderful life,” were Ron’s very first words upon being diagnosed in July. “I have a wife who stands by me and six beautiful sons whom I love. I could not ask for more than this.”

A “Celebration of Life” service will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 1:00pm at Trinity Episcopal Church (546 York Street, York, Maine  03909). All are invited to attend the service, as well as a reception immediately following at the McAllister family home to continue celebrating Ron’s life.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions in honor of Ron may be made to York Hospital, 15 Hospital Drive, York, ME  03909. Attention: Hilary Leonhard, Office of Philanthropy.

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