Ronald J. Anania

GENEVA - Ronald J. Anania, age 89, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, at The Arbors of Shelburne, Vermont.

Ron was born on January 4, 1936, in Geneva, New York, the youngest of three sons born to Achilles Michael and Rachel F. (Legott) Anania. A lifelong resident of Geneva for much of his life, Ron was a graduate of DeSales High School and earned a business degree from the University of Miami. While at Miami, he was a proud member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and delighted friends and family by reciting the Greek alphabet-something he could still do until just a few months before his passing.

Following graduation, Ron returned to Geneva to work in the family business, Geneva Club Beverage, where he built a long and successful career. He served as Vice President of Geneva Club Beverage and later as Vice President of Pepsi-Cola Clinton's Ditch Cooperative in Syracuse, New York.

On April 18, 1959, Ron married his high school sweetheart, Catherine "Katie" M. Plunkett. Together they shared a loving marriage and raised two daughters, Lisa and Lynn.

Ron proudly served his country, enlisting in the United States Air Force Reserve from 1958 to 1960, and later serving in the New York Army National Guard from 1960 to 1964.

A passionate golfer, Ron was a longtime member of the Geneva Country Club. If he wasn't at work, he could almost always be found on the golf course. He was also an avid baseball fan and a dedicated supporter of the sport. Ron initiated a summer collegiate baseball program in Geneva and went on to become the owner of the Geneva Knights baseball team in the Northeastern Collegiate Baseball League from 1994 to 1998. Under his ownership, the Knights won the league championship in 1998-an achievement he was especially proud of.

Ron was a faithful member of St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church and lived his life grounded in faith, family, and community.

He is survived by his daughters, Lisa (Scott) Gibbs and Lynn Anania; his grandchildren, Brittany (Stephen) Koehler, Scott Alexander Gibbs, Jillian Gibbs and her partner Felicia Baez; and his great-grandchildren, Everett Gibbs and Zane Palacios; his brother Robert; sister in law Bernice Anania; and several nieces and nephews.

Ron was predeceased by his beloved wife, Katie,; his brother Michael; his nephew Gary; and his great-granddaughter, Hadley Elizabeth Koehler; and sister in law Beverly Anania.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all those who cared for Ron at his home in Geneva, as well as to the staff and caregivers at The Arbors of Shelburne, Vermont, for their compassion and dedication.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at DeVaney - Bennett Funeral Home, 181 N. Main St., Geneva, N.Y. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Geneva, NY.

Ron will be remembered for his warmth, dedication, and love of family, golf, and baseball. He leaves behind a legacy of commitment, generosity, and joy that will live on in all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions to The Alzheimer's Association or Our Lady of Peace Parish,

To express condolences to the family please visit, www.devaneybennettfh.com.