Obituary of Ronald Gridley

Ronald J. Gridley (Ron) of Niskayuna and Lake George, most beloved husband of Mary Z. Gridley, died at Ellis Hospital on Thursday, February 3, 2011, after a lengthy illness at the age of 80. Son of the late Munroe and Alice Gridley, he graduated from Nott Terrace High School, attended the University of Vermont, and received his BS from Siena College in 1953. Upon graduating, he was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army Artillery and served as adjutant commander at Fort Sill, OK. Returning home, Ron joined C.M. Gridley & Son, Inc., founded in 1888 by his grandfather, Clarence Gridley. The company was prominently respected as a rigging, crane, and heavy hauling contractor known for its service and engineering expertise throughout the community. Ron had a contagious zest for life that prompted laughter while he entertained and charmed those around him with his unforgettable blue eyes and happy smile. A devout Christian, he was an extraordinary husband and father whose lifelong projects made a beautiful home for his family, where they lived for 50 years. Ron served on the Niskayuna Republican Committee, Dominion House and Historical Society boards. Many friendships and endearing times were shared at the Cotillion and Benedict Dance Groups, the Mohawk Golf Club where he was a 34-year member, and the Lake George Club in his youth. Ron enjoyed the camaraderie of golf where the laughs were often longer than the drives, tennis where he acquired the nickname "running tree," skiing, boating on Lake George, and wintering the last decade at Marco Island, FL. He liked classical, pops, and big band music, adventure films, John Wayne westerns, Caribbean and North Carolina beach vacations, and was passionate about being outdoors. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary (Zeller) Gridley; his daughter, Laurel and son-in-law, Scott McGeein of Charlotte, NC; his son, David L. Gridley of Niskayuna; his brother, Munroe C. Gridley, Jr. of Niskayuna; his sister, Eleanore Judd and her husband, Michael Lynn of Shrewsbury, NJ;Gridley and Flacke family cousins, friends and associates will miss him dearly. Many thanks to the Drs. H. Schlossberg, L. Weiner, G.L. Jameson, and M. Reilly, all staff at Riverview Center, Ellis Hospital A6, and Kingsway Nursing and Rehabilitation Center A wing, for their care and support. Calling hours are Sunday, February 6 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 7 at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 816 Union St., Schenectady, with burial following at Memory Gardens, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Ron in a special way, may send a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York, One Mustang Dr., Cohoes, NY 12047 or the Foundation for Ellis Medicine, 1101 Nott St., Schenectady, NY 12308.