Ronald Dominick Massaroni

Ronald Dominick Massaroni, 78, born October 27, 1933 to Joseph and Josephine (Cantore) Massaroni, died peacefully in the presence of God and his loving family on October 2, 2012. Ron worked for the General Electric Company from the day after he graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1952 when he entered the GE Apprentice Program until he retired in 1994. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather whose generosity enhanced the lives of many. His legacy of athleticism, dedication and excellence survives through his sons and grandchildren on ball fields, gym courts and in classrooms and businesses around the country. He will be remembered for his devotion to his faith, his charitable giving and as the custodian of many family traditions, including Sunday dinners, the annual Christmas celebration, photographic documentation of life, weigh-ins and the wall height chart, and a monthly mailing that reminded the extended family of birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and other happy milestones. He often said, 'celebrate the good times because there will be enough sad times to balance those out.' He personified that saying by celebrating every hit, pitch, basket, goal, and show by his grandchildren, heartily endorsing 'pay for performance' with a dollar or a bag of candy for each achievement. Massaroni was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and an avid follower of Notre Dame sports. A talented athlete himself, he excelled in sports at Mont Pleasant in football, wrestling and baseball. He bowled in the Amity Bowling League for more than 50 years, sharing the camaraderie of dear friends whose respect and friendship he cherished. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Santina ('Zibby' DiCocco), and his sons, Mark (Katherine) of Schenectady, Chris (Kathleen) of Voorheesville and Ron (Andrea) of East Greenbush, and his grandchildren, Kevin, Jenna, Christopher, Alexander, Tess, Tyler, Quinn, Grant and Jack Massaroni. His brothers, Robert (Marylou), Joseph (Nancy) of Schenectady and sister, Joanne Zadoorian (Jan), will miss his friendship and his excellent memory of all things related to their youth. He also leaves behind a large extended family of brothers-in-law, cousins, nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. Calling hours will be held Thursday, October 4 from 5 to 8pm at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam. Funeral services will begin 9am Friday at the funeral home, followed at 10am by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. Ron will be entombed in St. Cyril/Methodius Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Ron's name to Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 210 Princetown Rd., Schenectady, N.Y. 12306, his parish which held a special place in the his life.