Ronald J Hebert

Ronald J. Hebert 58, former President of Hebert Candies, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Monday, March 2nd 2009. Ron leaves his devoted daughter, Tracie Hebert Boyd, her husband Geoffrey, cherished grandchildren, Eve and Jackson Boyd all of Sturbridge, and his former wife, Jeannie (Mastrogiovanni) Hebert of Shrewsbury with whom he remained good friends. He is survived by two brothers, Richard N. of Northborough, Frederick G. of Shrewsbury and a sister, Dianne M. of Northborough. Born in Worcester he was the son of the late Gerald L. and Shirley M. (Couture) Hebert. As a young man, Ron was an accomplished Hammond B3 keyboardist and member of several well known local bands. He was a graduate of the former Assumption Preparatory High School Worcester where he was named captain of the Tennis Team and Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston. During the Vietnam era, Mr. Hebert served in the Army National Guard as Chef to the US Adjutant General. After his discharge, he joined Hebert Candies, his family business and became a respected confectioner well known throughout the national and international candy industry. Ron was later named President of the Company and grew the business to include a candy bar and chocolate molding plant. He was instrumental in mentoring many young people interested in the trade and responsible for them to go on to successful careers. In later years he participated in mentoring programs at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Upon selling the family business, Ron chose to keep the Hebert Sturbridge location, renaming it EJ Candies in honor of his beloved grandchildren. He continued the family tradition of candy making, utilizing his Grandfather's recipes until his death. He loved the outdoors and was an avid golfer and fisherman, often teaching the craft to his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, March 5th, 5-8 PM at Mercadante Funeral Home and Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Funeral Services will be celebrated Friday, March 6th, 11:00 AM at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 53 North Main Street, North Grafton. The family requests flowers be omitted and donations made to the Massachusetts Veterans, Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605. For directions and on-line memorial, visit www.mercadantefuneral.com.