Ronald C. (Slip) Seeley, 79, of St. Johnsville, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 7, 2014, at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Utica.
He was born November 11, 1934, in Broadalbin, NY, the son of the late Archie B. and Leona (Horton) Seeley and was educated in Broadalbin schools.
Ronnie was a proud veteran of the United States Navy who placed honor of his country on the same pedestal as love of his family. He enlisted on September 29, 1952, and was honorably discharged on November 9, 1955, with the rank of Boatswain's Mate R (Rigger) Petty Officer 3rd class (BMR3).
His marriage to Marianne Stever took place on July 4, 1977, in St. Johnsville. Their married life was filled with laughter and love for more than 36 years, and their door and hearts always were open for friends and family.
Ron was employed by Local Union 181 in Syracuse as an election, retiring in 1996. He also was a member of the St. Johnsville American Legion, Morris J. Edwards Post 168 and a longtime member of the St. Johnsville Volunteer Fire Department.
He greeted everyone with a smile, a joke usually sprinkled with colorful language, a laugh and a fresh cup of hot coffee that always tasted better when he brewed it in perhaps the most overworked Bunn coffee maker in Montgomery County. Anyone who met Ronnie considered him one of the funniest, friendliest people they've ever known.
A talented electrician and handyman, Ronnie also loved to work in his wood shop affectionately called "his hovel" where he created numerous beautiful pieces of furniture, shelving and toys. Nearly all of his creations were crafted as surprise gifts for others.
Ronnie also loved sports, especially soccer and the NASCAR career of Darrell Waltrip. He enjoyed playing softball during his younger years.
Survivors include his loving wife of 36 years, Marianne; his children, Sherri Christensen and husband, Shawn of St. Johnsville, Shawn Seeley and Rebecca Sira of Johnstown, Lynn Johnstone and husband, William of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Lori Seeley and Matthew Horning of Fort Plain, Michael Seeley of St. Johnsville and Michelle Dunning and husband, Todd of Troy, NY; his stepchildren, Sheila Kelly and husband, Paul of Marcellus, NY, Stephanie Dye and husband, Bruce of St. Johnsville, Cindi Stowell and John Ropeter of St. Johnsville, and Kerry Stowell and wife, Karen of St. Johnsville; a sister, Beverlee Ross and husband, Jerry of Broadalbin; many grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 21, 2014, at 4:00 p.m. from the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, 20 Bridge St., St. Johnsville, NY, 518-568-7040, with Reverend Hans Drews, officiating. Friends and relatives may call at the funeral home on Monday, April 21, 2014, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the services. Burial in Union Rural Cemetery in Broadalbin, NY will take place later in the spring with full military honors accorded.
All memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Published in The Leader Herald on April 12, 2014
|
