Ronald R. Anastasia, Devoted and Loving Father, Grandfather, and No-No
Olean- Ronald Ralph Anastasia of 313 N 13th Street passed away suddenly Sunday (October 20, 2024) at home with his loving family by his side.
For the last few years, he had been under medical care with his children being his caregivers.
Ron was born June 23, 1938, in Olean, son of the late Ralph and Marguerite Johnson Anastasia. On October 26, 1957, in Olean, he married Marlene F. Boser, who survives. Ron would always say that it was “Love at First Sight”. 67 years later, there was no looking back, as they would still tell each other that they loved each other every single night. Ron had deep faith for the Lord, and even on some of his most challenging days, would say that “God Is Good to Me.” He was a member of St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, and when he was healthy, he would read his bible every morning and would also attend morning mass daily, where he looked forward to always seeing his very special church family, especially Barb Carucci who was like a sister to him. Ron also worked at Clark Bros/Dresser Rand in Olean for 44 years and 4 months. His work ethic was unmatched while always providing for his family.
Ron attended Olean High School and graduated in 1956. In January of 1957, Ron did his basic training at Fort Dix, and then did 6 months of active duty as a culinary specialist at Fort Lee in Virginia. For the next 8 years, he was a 1st Sergeant in the Army Reserves.
Ron was a great gardener, he loved winning at Euchre, he enjoyed hunting on his land in Lyndon with his son, Jeff, and he looked forward to the yearly family outings at the casino to celebrate his and his beautiful wife’s anniversaries each year. He always supported his kids and grandkids in their sporting events, driving wherever he needed to go to be there to cheer them on. He was especially proud of his three “grand dogs”, Bronek, T.J., and Spunky.
He was always ready and willing to help anybody who needed it, and never expected anything in return. For many years, during snowstorms, he could be seen going up and down 13th Street snow blowing the whole neighborhood. He was truly a “Good and Faithful Servant”.
His greatest blessings, in his eyes, were his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. He was truly a family man, with his family always coming first…no matter what. He cherished the moments when all his family could be together laughing and making priceless memories with each other. Throughout his entire life, he was a pillar of strength to his family and friends. His unbelievable courage and determination to live each day to the fullest, even as his health began deteriorating, was an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but will always be in our hearts. Thank You for Everything, Dad! We Love You!
He is survived by his wife, Marlene; and was a blessing to their four children, Jeff (Tammy) Anastasia of Olean, Kim Bihler of Olean, Randy (Cathy Barrett) Anastasia of Glens Falls, and Lori Anastasia of Olean; and a son-in-law, Larry Lewicki. He was a loving grandfather to his grandchildren, Mike (DJ Paone) Anastasia, Danielle (Christian) Adamczyk, Shawn and Josh Bihler, and Ryan, Lucas, and Antonio Anastasia. He was especially proud of his great-grandchildren who called him No-No, Nicolas, Anastasia, and Veronica (Ronnie) Adamczyk, with Ronnie being named after him. He also has a sister whom he loved dearly, Marcia Lisi of Alpharetta, Georgia, as well as, his wonderful nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Marguerite Anastasia; his in-laws, Edward and Frances Boser; a grandson, Tyler Bihler; his brother-in-law’s, Clem Lisi and Tom Boser; and a daughter-in-law, Barb Anastasia.
There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11am, which would have been Ron and Marlene’s 67th wedding anniversary. Burial will follow with full honors in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, in memory of Ron’s grandson, Tyler Bihler, or to the Cattaraugus County SPCA at 2944 Route 16 Olean N.Y. 14760
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St. Olean.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.guentherfh.com
