The Reverend Henry Tracy Ronan, age 81, formerly of Salem, died early Monday, April 21, 2008 in his sleep.

He was born in Salem on August 24, 1926 the son of the late Massachusetts Supreme Court Justice James J. Ronan and his wife the late Marie (Tracy) Ronan and educated in the local school system. He attended Lawrence Academy as did both of his brothers, graduating in 1944.

After serving as a midshipman at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy he was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Upon his release he entered the College of the Holy Cross in fall of 1947, He subsequently left for St. John's Seminary in 1948. He was ordained in February 1955, saying his first Mass at St. James Church in Salem.

Father Ronan's first assignment was to the Holy Ghost Church in Whitman followed by service at St. Agnes in Reading, St. Joseph's in Lynn and Most Precious Blood parish in Hyde Park. He was appointed Pastor at St. Theresa's in Billerica where he remained for fifteen years. His last assignment was senior priest at the Immaculate Conception Church, 10 Fellsway East, Malden where there will be a Reception of his body at on Friday, April 25th at 9:00 A.M. and he will be Lying in State until his funeral Mass is celebrated at 10:00 A.M.

He is survived by his sister Anne R. Kane of Weston, and his brother retired Superior Court Judge John Ronan of Salem as well loving nieces and nephews whom he thoroughly enjoyed. He was predeceased by his sister Marie Ronan Williams and a brother Attorney James T. Ronan who practiced law in Salem for forty years.

Visiting hours will be Thursday in the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. (cor of North St) Salem from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. For online guest book or additional information please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978 744 0497.