Longtime Lebanon selectman, transfer station chief Ronal Patch dead at 81

Former Lebanon selectman Ronal Patch with wife, Lorraine, as they drive an antique car in Lebanon 250th celebration in June 2017. (Rochester Voice file photo) Faceboo/Jason Cole)

LEBANON, Maine - Longtime town selectman, transfer station chief and Lebanon icon Ronal Patch has died.

News of his death spread quickly on Sunday as tributes poured in mostly on the Facebook page of his wife, Lorraine. According to his obituary, he died unexpectedly at home.

Jason Cole, a longtime friend and former fellow selectman, called Patch a mentor and "the ultimate gentleman who cared for his community."

Another tribute came in from Priscilla Colbath, who wrote, "Ronnie was a special man, and he always made everyone around him feel special."

Patch served as selectman from 1976 to 2001. He then retired from the selectman position but returned in 2009 and served another three-year term.

Town Hall staff were unable to immediately verify which years he was employed at the transfer station where he ultimately became manager. He retired from the transfer station a couple of years ago.

Patch was also known for his fondness for antique cars, riding one along with his wife, Lorraine, in Lebanon's 250th Festival Parade in June 2017.

There has been no official word on the cause of death. Ronal Patch was 81.