Ronald “Ron” L. Elliott

FREEPORT – Ronald “Ron” L. Elliott, 75, of Freeport, passed away on Oct. 11, 2025.

Born April 30, 1950, in Torrington, Conn., Ron was the son of the late Thomas and Nellie Elliott and one of five siblings. He graduated from Bentley College with a degree in Accounting and spent 26 years at Friendly’s in leadership roles, overseeing finance, strategic planning, and international business and franchise development.

An active community member, Ron contributed to regional economic development initiatives in Connecticut and Vermont, served as president of the Somers, Conn. Rotary Club, and was honored with a Paul Harris Fellow award.

In the last 15 years, Ron co-founded Smugglers’ Notch Distillery, LLC with his son – an endeavor rooted in family, pride, and hard work. Affectionately known as “Papa,” he was known for his warmth, quick wit, and love for the outdoors. He enjoyed tending his land, caring for animals, making pies from his harvest, and cheering on his grandchildren.

He is survived by Marcia, his wife of 52 years; son, Jeremy Elliott and wife Dawn, and grandson Ridge of Jeffersonville, Vt.; daughter, Katharine Elliott Mocciola and husband Ronnie, and granddaughters Lila and Sylvie of Yarmouth; and siblings Thomas Elliott, Eileen DePaoli, Darla Lovett, and Jude Mead.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Yarmouth. A celebration of life will also be held Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Smugglers’ Notch Distillery in Jeffersonville, Vt.

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”

— Pericles

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Lindquist Funeral Home. Please visit http://www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to view the full obituary, leave condolences for the Elliott family and share a memory of Ron.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’s memory to “The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF)” at http://www.ftpf.org.