Search by Name
Search by Name
ALLEGANY - Ronald J. Sakala, of 3975 Route 417, passed away Thursday (Feb. 7, 2013) at Olean General Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Born Nov. 13, 1940, in Olean, he was a son of Julius and Stella Kotch Sakala. He was married to Ramona M. Wheeler, who survives.
Mr. Sakala was a 1958 graduate of Olean High School, where he was quarterback of the football team. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1958 to 1962. From his military training, he was able to work as an air traffic controller for six years at Dulles International Airport.
He returned to the Olean area, where he worked for McGraw Edison Co. and later Bush Industries. He later worked for ASAP Appliance Inc., and, until his retirement at age 70, he worked as an area service technician for Mac Gray Services in Buffalo.
He was an avid gardener, hunter and fisherman. Never one to be idle, he enjoyed maintaining his home and spending active time with his family and his loving dog, Liberty. He also was a devoted Buffalo Bills fan.
Surviving besides his wife are three children, Tina (Greg) Enos of Ceres, Pa., Karen (Ron Holmes) Becker of Allegany and Thomas (Bobbie Jo) Sakala of Midland City, Ala.; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, James Sakala.
Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean, on Saturday (Feb. 9, 2013) from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., at which time funeral services will be held. The Rev. Christopher Pendley will officiate. Burial will be in Allegany Cemetery with full military honors accorded by members of the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be expressed at www.oleanfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
my symphathies to the Family. Ron and I grew up playng in the Transfig play ground for many years. My family moved to Ferndale, Wa in 1954. Caught up with Ron several years ago when he was at Cutco and caught up on all our lives. He was a good person and will be missed.
Don Murdzia
February 10, 2013
My prayers go out to the Sakala family. Ron and I were friends from Olean High School days. I was in class of 59
Tim Barton
February 8, 2013
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more