Ronald E. Gustafson, 82, of Baker Estates in Ashville, passed away at his home, on June 29, 2012, with his loving family by his side.
A lifetime resident of the Jamestown area, Ron was born March 7, 1930, the son of the late David and Hilda Fricke Gustafson.
Ron worked for many years at the former Chautauqua Hardware, retiring in 1992, as supervisor of the tool and die room. He enjoyed his work and even after retiring, he liked to "talk shop."
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As a longtime member of the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, Ron enjoyed their meals and activities, especially dancing with his "sweetie" or "bride'' of 62 years. Ron and his wife, Ramona, the former Ramo-na Johnson, were married June 17, 1950. They spent the last 20 winters at their home in Bay Lake Estates, Nokomis, Fla. Ron enjoyed Florida, and its warm weather and beaches; watching the sunsets and having fun at the many club house activities such as dinners, dances, bingo and playing cards. Ron also enjoyed the many cruises and trips he and Ramona took together over the years.
Ron was chairman of the golf league at Bay Lake Estates for many years and particularly enjoyed golf-ing with his buddies: Ed, Frank and Billy.
He was a devoted family man, a wonderful husband, a loving and caring father to their three children. He was also the proud grandpa of eight grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren, and a great-grandpa to 16 ador-able great-grandchildren, whom never failed to put a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He loved, was loved, and will be deeply missed by his wife, family, and friends.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Carlson of Van Nuys, Calif.; and a brother, Jerry Gustafson of Akron, Ohio.
Ron is survived by his loving wife, Ramona: two sons: David (Christine) Gustafson of Freeport, Maine, and Bruce (Paula) Gustafson of Gerry, N.Y.; a daughter, Susan Gustafson of Kennedy, N.Y.; and a brother, James Gustafson of Midlothian, Va. He also leaves eight grandchildren: Jennifer Gilmore (Kelsey) of Southington, Conn., Jef-fery Gustafson (Hesty) of Newmarket, N.H., Michelle Comber (Todd) and Danielle Gustafson (David), both of Falconer, N.Y., An-nie Haugan (Ben) of Maple Grove, Minn., Brian Gustaf-son of Jamestown, N.Y., Melissa Conti of Cape Coral, Fla., and Samuel Conti (Tiffani) of Elling-ton, N.Y.; two step-grandchildren: Shannon O'Conner (Todd) of Lock-port, N.Y., and Matthew Johnson (Alicia) of Gerry, N.Y. Also surviving are eleven precious great grandchildren: Stella, Col-by and Max Gilmore, Sa-vannah Gustafson, Caitlynn and Carter Hau-gan, Jordan and Kylie Comber, Emma and Mae Gustafson, and Levi Conti, five step great-grandchil-dren: Brooke, Morgan and Steven O'Connor, Quinn Johnson and Tara Haugan.
At Ron's request visita-tion will not be observed. A celebration of life will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, July 2, 2012, at the Gerry Rodeo Grounds. Family and friends are invited to take part in the celebration and share memories of Ron. The Rev. Timothy Hoyer of Bethlehem Lutheran Church will officiate.
A private graveside ser-vice will be held at the con-venience of the family with inurnment at Sunset Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Ave, Lakewood, NY, 14750 or to a charity of your choice.
Ron's wife Ramona and family would like to take this opportunity to thank the Hospice staff for their help, support, and comfort, as well as neighbors and friends in both New York and Florida.
Visit www.falconerfun-eralhome.net to light a can-dle in remembrance.