Ronald J. Pate

DEER RIVER- Ronald J. Pate, 86, of Deer River Road, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at his home.
There are no calling hours or funeral service. A celebration of life will begin at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the Lewis County Marine Corps League Farney Hall, 7429 State Route 12, Lowville, NY 13367. Any food donations may be dropped off at the hall beginning at 11:30 A.M. that morning. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lewis County Marine Corps League Det. #754, 7429 State Route 12, Lowville, NY 13367.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Shirley; four children, Paul Pate of Ilion, Michelle (Michael) Tully of Natural Bridge, Ronald J. (Kim) Pate II of Carthage, and Tammy Walsemann of Lowville; 10 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; two sisters, Evelyn Turck of Croghan and Shirley Martin of Castorland; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was predeceased by one son, Chad J. Pate on June 14, 2017; his son-in-law, Dr. Raymond B. Walsemann; and four siblings, Viola Dutton, Muriel Nuffer, Earl Pate, and Gerald Pate.
Ronald was born on December 16, 1938, in Croghan, a son of the late Lawrence and Nellie Pominville Pate.  He attended country school and enlisted in the United States Marines, serving from 1956 to 1958, serving in Hawaii and Japan.  After his honorable discharge, he worked as an equipment operator for Crown Zellerbach in Carthage. On June 13, 1959, he married the love of his life, Shirley Aubin.  Later he started his own contracting business and purchased the gravel pit now known as Champion Sand and Gravel.  Ronald also purchased and operated the Riverside Lounge in Deer River simultaneously for several years.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but lately, he chose to provide food for all wildlife, birdfeeders, apple trees for the deer and scraps for the turkey’s and a lot of stray cats.  Roanld also enjoyed making homemade wine.
Condolences may be made to Ron’s family online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.

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