Beaupre FRANKLIN — Ronald N. Beaupre, 78, a lifelong resident of Franklin, died Saturday, May 5, 2012, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, following a short and sudden illness.

Ron was born in Franklin, August 29, 1933, son of the late Armand and Emilienne (Marchand) Beaupre. He attended St. Mary School in Franklin and was a graduate of Franklin High School.

He joined the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean Conflict. Ron served on the crew of the USS Nautilus, America’s first nuclear submarine, when it broke through the ice cap near the North Pole. He then joined the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War and retiring following 22 years of service. He received medals in longevity, both the Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Commendation Medal. He also received the Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor.

Following his service to his country, Ron went on to study for his associates degree. Due to an injury, Ron retired from the New Hampshire State Prison after 15 years of employment.

In 1959, while on leave from the Navy, Ron jumped into the Winnipesaukee River, behind the Franklin Public Library to save the life of a young girl who had fallen in and was drowning. He was decorated from the Navy for his heroic actions.

He especially enjoyed the time spent with his family. He enjoyed camping, traveling to visit family, telling jokes and visiting with friends over coffee. He loved watching western movies, no matter how old they were. He was a life member of the Franklin VFW, Post 1698 and a longtime member of the Franklin Lodge of Elks, BPOE 1280.

Ron was predeceased by his wife of 36 years, Kathleen “Kay” E. (Wilson) Beaupre, who died in 2010. His family includes, three sons, Jeffrey R. Beaupre of Lyman, Maine, Dean A. Beaupre of Meridian, Idaho, and Donald A. Hodgdon of Tilton; three daughters, Bonnie S. Reed of Franklin, Cynthia A. Pescinski of Sanbornton and Tamera L. Pescinski of Bradenton, Fla.; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; a brother, Lt. Col. Raymond Beaupre, of Sanbornton, sisters, Pauline Currier of Concord and Louise Boutin of Manchester; and numerous, nieces, nephews and cousins.

At Ron’s request, there are no calling hours. A graveside service will be held Friday, May 11, at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery in Franklin. Burial will follow military honors.

Ron’s family asks that donations in his memory be made to the Franklin Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, 75 Chestnut Street, Franklin, NH 03235.

Arrangements are under the care of the William F. Smart Sr. Memorial Home in Tilton. For more information, go to www.smartfuneralhome.com.