Ronald A. Friello

SCHENECTADY - Ronald A. Friello, 77, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Albany Medical Center, peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Schenectady on August 12, 1948, to the late Edward and Rosemarie (Sindoni) Friello.

Ron was raised in Rotterdam, and graduated from Mohonasen High School. After high school, Ron won boxing’s Golden Gloves Middle Weight Championship title. He joined the Navy in 1968, and while in the Navy, he held the All-Navy Middle Weight Championship Boxing title. He was also in the Naval Construction Battalion, the Seabees, which he was so proud of. After being honorably discharged, Ron started working for his father’s blacktop business. He then moved to Jacksonville, Florida, to start his own paving business, North Florida Paving Company. He also formed Candle Creations, in St. Augustine, Florida, on St. George Street, where he made so many people smile. After retiring in 2003, Ron moved back to Schenectady and then began working as a security guard for several employers. He was also a member of the Sons of Italy. Ron enjoyed spending time with family, singing karaoke, playing guitar, bocce ball, fishing, hunting, watching football, and always joking around with people. He enjoyed making his sauce, pasta fagioli, playing cards, (especially poker), and going to the casino to play roulette.

Ron was very proud of his children, family, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Judy Friello.

Ron is survived by his children, Amy (Daniel) McGinn, Lisa (David) Pidgeon, and Michael (Tara) Friello; His grandchildren, Kelsey, Riley, Teagan, and Danny McGinn, Nicholas and Gianna Pidgeon, and Vincent Friello; His siblings, Terry (Mary) Friello and Laurie (James) Goltry; As well as several nieces and nephews. Ron is also survived by his loving fiancée, Deborah Hollenbach, who stood by him every step of the way.

Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd, from 9am to 11am, at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave, Rotterdam, followed by a Funeral Service at 11am. He will then be interred in Sts. Cyril & Method Cemetery in Rotterdam.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Condolences can be posted at demarcostonefuneralhome.com .