MECHANICVILLE - Richard M. “Dick” Ronda, 93, passed away peacefully in his home, Sat. Dec 31st, 2022 with his loving family by his side.
Born in Mechanicville, Sept 27, 1929, son of the late Salvadore and Liberty Villamil Ronda, Dick was a 1946 graduate of Mechanicville High School. Dick served honorably in the US Army during the Korean War, serving in Germany.
Dick spent his 37 year career as a technician at General Electric’s Silicone Prod Div, retiring in 1990.
Dick loved to travel with the love of his life, Arlene, especially to Florida for the month of February, and yearly with friends to Las Vegas. When he retired, you could find him with his friends at McDonalds having coffee in the mornings, and during the summers, at the Saratoga Race Course, at OTB and then upstairs at the Racino. He enjoyed doing puzzles and word games, and most importantly watching his grandchildren (whom lovingly named him “G”) before and after school and during the summers. Dick and Arlene would proudly attend all their events.
A sportsman from his youth, Dick was an excellent basketball and baseball player, was a former coach for the Mechanicville-Stillwater Little League for years and enjoyed camping in Lake George.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Arlene Santagato Ronda, whom he married Oct 18, 1959, two beloved children: Linda Ronda and Michael Ronda, both of Mechanicville, three cherished grandchildren: Kyle Ronda, Jolyne (Yury) Umansky and Alessandra Laurenzo. One treasured great granddaughter Zina Marie Umansky, who added so much joy to his life over the last 18 months, when she would visit and weekly over Face Time and one grand "pup" Louie, also known as Dick's BFF, whom he took on many walks, naps and shared nightly ice cream with. Also survived by his sister-in-law Joan Ronda of Stillwater, nieces, nephews and their families.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his in-laws Salvador and Theresa Santagato, brothers Frank and Edward (Sheila) Ronda.
Dick’s family thanks Dr. Diaz and staff, along with Eddy Visiting Nurses and Hospice for the care, compassion and comfort shown of Dick and his family during his last days in his home. A very special thank you to Fran and Jim Marzano and Dawn Rose and to all the family and friends for their loyal support.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday at 12:30 PM at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St, Mechanicville, to be followed by military honors burial at Saratoga National Cemetery. A Calling hour will begin from 11 AM till 12:30 PM at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc, in memory of Richard “Dick” Ronda.