RONNIE MASSARELLA OBITUARY

Monday 19 October 2015

23rd July 1923 – 18th October 2015

It is with great sorrow that British Showjumping announce the death of their Honorary Vice President, Ronnie Massarella OBE.  Ronnie, aged 92 years, sadly lost his fight against ill health yesterday, 18th October 2015.

Team Manager and Chef d’Equipe of the Senior British Showjumping teams for three decades, Ronnie led his teams to numerous international honours around the world including a Silver medal at both the Rotterdam Compensatory Olympic Games in 1980 and the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984.

An incredibly popular and fair man who drew respect from all who knew him, Ronnie was with the team when they won Team Gold at the World Championships in 1978 as well as at the European Championships in 1979, 1985, 1987 and 1989. In addition to this he also guided Great Britain to Team silver in 1983 European Championships.

Ronnie was appointed OBE in Her Majesty the Queen’s New Year's Honours List in 1982 for his services to British Showjumping, and is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest ambassadors this sport has ever known.

Retiring from his role in December 2000, Ronnie was awarded the British Showjumping Lifetime Award at the British Showjumping Awards Ball in 2001.

Born in Britain of Italian background, Ronnie was a renowned family man through and through. Holding the post of Chairman within the family owned Massarella Catering Group, a company he initially grew to be one of the biggest ice cream producers in Europe before diversifying into the provision of catering services within shopping centres, department stores, garden centres, retail and leisure outlets.  Working alongside his sons within the Massarella Catering Group gave Ronnnie great pleasure and extreme pride.

Married to Edna Elizabeth Massarella, Ronnie was left a widower when she sadly passed away in May 2012 aged 86 years.  Our thoughts and best wishes during this difficult time go to Ronnie and Edna’s four sons Michael, Mark, Stephen and Jeremy and their twelve grandchildren.

Details regarding the family’s wishes and funeral details will be announced when available.

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