Ronald E. Aldrich

Ronald E. Aldrich, 78, of Marcellus, NY passed away March 11, 2021, after a ten-year battle with frontal temporal dementia.  Ron was born August 19,1942, to Harold and Doris Aldrich, of Elbridge, NY.  He was the youngest of three children, Beverly (now deceased) and Richard.  He graduated from Elbridge High School, in 1961.  A patriotic soul, Ron joined the US Air Force, serving in Vietnam, protecting the beautiful country he loved.  Upon his return he became the “birthday present” for his adoring wife, Laura (Heath), who had wished for a man for her 23^rd birthday.  They married in 1970 and eventually welcomed two sons, Matthew (Michelle) and Gregory (Laura E).  Matt and Greg blessed Ron and Laura with six energetic, loving grandchildren; Nicole, Cassandra, Trevor, Corrine, Michael, and Veronica. 

Ron committed himself to working hard for the NYSDOT, for 35 years, until he retired in 2001.  He believed in showing the country he loved so much to his sons, as they were growing, traveling to Acadia, Yosemite, Niagara Falls, and camping at Southwick Beach, to name a few.As his boys embraced BMX bike racing more trips ensued, following the circuit wherever it would take them.  As Matt and Greg grew into adults and started families of their own, memories were created traveling to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, various attractions in Florida, where he and Laura wintered for several of their retirement years. 

Summers were often spent enjoying the beauty of classic and antique cars, at all the local car shows.  His pride and joy was showing off the 1934 Nash he slowly worked at restoring.  Ron was always willing to share his knowledge of what made a certain year special, for a certain make and model.  He loved to take his 1953 Pontiac Chieftain to show after show and spend the weekend of the Syracuse Nationals surrounded by his family and friends.  The love of classic cars has been passed down to his sons and grandchildren. 

The support and dedication he showed to his own sons extended to his grandchildren.   He happily attended as many sporting events and concerts as he could.  He also enjoyed sharing his knowledge of airplanes with his family while attending airshows.  Whether it was going to a function or assisting in a repair or remodel of some sort, Ron was always there to get his hands dirty and help those he held most dear.

While Ronald is resting in peace, his family and loved ones will forever hold the memories he made with them ever so close in their hearts.  His spirit and love will always be a part of the family he created.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, March 18, from 5-7 PM at the Elbridge Community Church, 109 East Main Street, Elbridge, NY. A private funeral will follow, with burial at the Onondaga County Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Central New York (https://www.alz.org/centralnewyork) or 441 West Kirkpatrick St, Syracuse, NY 13204.

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