Ron was born in Gibson City, Illinois on November 27, 1936. As a young man, he aspired to become a minister and attended seminary. He later pursued a degree in English Literature from Milliken University and a graduate degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University. He worked as an Associate Professor of English at Cayuga Community College for over twenty years. Although he officially “retired” in 1989, he continued to teach part time until this past spring.
Ron enjoyed athletic activities, including tennis, skiing, and racquetball. Once retired, he cultivated his love of plants, flowers, and tropical fish. He became an accomplished aquarist and was very active in the Central NY Aquarium Society. Ron also enjoyed working outdoors with Laura and their three Parson Russell Terriers to create tranquil and vibrant gardens bursting with colorful plants and fish. Friends and family will always remember Ron relaxing in his lovely yard ...with a book in one hand and a Pepsi in the other. If not outdoors, Ron could usually be found in front of a television, cheering (or cursing!) enthusiastically for his beloved Yankees or Syracuse Orangemen, with a small dog burrowed in his lap.
A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Society @ 607 North Seward Street, Auburn, NY on Saturday, November 18th at 1:00pm
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.