Obituary of Ronald G. Holly

Ronald G. Holly, Sr. passed away on July 12, 2011 at Wells Nursing Home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Ron was born on December 12, 1934 to Sterling R. and Marion Lord Holly. He graduated from Gloversville High School in 1952, and then went on to the New York State Ranger School. Following graduation in 1954 he worked as a forest ranger in Northern California and a timber surveyor in Northern New York. In 1955 he entered the Army as a Private, qualified for OCS and retired in 1975 as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his military career he served in Alaska, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Germany and three tours in Viet Nam. His medals and awards included the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars and a Vietnamese Silver Star. Ron was also a Master Parachutist and served with the 101st Airborne and the 82nd Airborne Divisions. Early in his career, while stationed in Alaska, he met and married the former Dorothy Chirgwin in a military ceremony at Fort Richardson. In June they celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. Upon leaving the service Ron joined Anderson Instrument Company in Glen, New York and eventually became Vice-President. In 1987 he left Anderson and he and his wife opened Holly Business Services which specialized in computer sales and services. They retired in 1999 and enjoyed traveling, special hikes and outings with the grandchildren, golfing and many do-it-yourself projects around the house and yard. Ron?s military experience gave him a ?can do? spirit and a positive attitude toward any endeavor he took on. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, son, Ronald Karen, daughters Shannon Cubells and Michelle Paul Wayne and grandchildren Kristen Shafer Michael, Ryan and Christopher Cubells, Miriam, Shannon, Jacob and Emma Holly, step-grandchildren Scott Luey Jamie, Dane and Evan Luey and great-grandson Peyton Shafer. He is also survived by his sister Janice Fuller John, sister-in-law Barbara Holly, sister-in-law Frances Shellenberger, brother-in-law John Chirgwin Shirley and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents and brother, Sterling M. Holly. Ronald was a Commissioner of the Great Northern Division of Sir William Johnson Council, BSA. He served on the boards of the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce, The Family Counseling Center and the Eccentric Club. He was also a member and past president of Pinebrook Golf Club and a member of Nick Stoner Golf Club. A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 18, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Saratoga National Cemetery where he will be interred with full military honors. The Reverend Dr. R.W. Williams will officiate. Arrangements have been made through Walrath & Stewart with cremation taking place at ParkView Crematorium in Schenectady. At his request there will be no viewing hours but condolences may be made on line at www.brbsfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 958516, Topeka, KS 66675 or to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078.