Ronald Abrantes

porld renouned alpine venues, White Face! Our day on the slopes went very well. Young Matt on the snow board while Ron and I choose traditional Slats. It was a great day all things considered. Weather and conditions made it easy to enjoy. After all, the mountain could be cold, snowy, and ice covered. But not this day. Not having skied the mountain in a while, we somehow got on a trail that was not where we had expected. We were all tired and figured it was our last run of the day, lets give it a go. To this day the image of Ron as a giant mogul did what moguls do. Later, Ron reflected by saying, " I didn´t feel bad until a 5 year old with no ski poles skied up to me and asked, Mister, is this your ski?" And just like true Ron, he smiled and we laughed all the way home.

I am honored to say Ron was my friend and brother. I join you in your grief and celebrate the blessing my time with him was.

I don't remember how I first met Ron. I never worked for him but I did work with him and he is a fond list of memories.
I have to believe that anyone who knew him had to know his great work ethic and commitment to a job well done.
He did love to cook and put on some of the best retirement parties I've ever been to, using some of the most creative methods I've seen. Dinners that rivaled any restaurant.
We Deer hunted across a few counties. Many memories.
Frank went with us for the first time and asked "Where will you want me to be?" and I told him "We'd like you on the edge of the field at the 50 yard line." and Frank got overly excited about "You can't have a weapon within 500 yards of a school!" and such. (We were just passing Massena High School when he asked and I couldn't resist.) Ron explained that he could look at the site and pick a spot. Don Ashley, Fred LeBlanc and Scott Garcia had the best locations I remember.
Hunting both the black powder and regular season. Even on our way into work.

We rode 4 wheelers and only lost two in our endeavors. One at the Ski Jump (Don't try this at home kids. Try a Bobsled Run or something safer.) and one in the Brasher Swamps. Only the lead 4 wheeler made it off the ice without going into the water. Ron and Don were behind me as we passed Don Johnson perched on his handlebars like a Chickadee. Andy's brother driving around in the water like he had a miniature Jon Boat. (It didn't do as well on the Ski Jump where it left on multiple 4 wheelers.) Ron laughed at Tracie when I passed her Polaris 350 riding my Honda 300. We challenged it all; snow, ice, mud, water and the challenges we could find. (That 6 foot deep mud hole, right Chris?)

We did much better on snowmobiles. No losses. Although I did foresee Ron's son interest in a log pile we passed. Stacked about 20-30 feet high with one square end and one ramped in. It was a beautiful sight on the way back when he jumped that into virgin snow. Like an advertisement.
I limped mine back once or twice but it was well worth the memories.

Ron was quiet and I tried multiple times to get a rise out of him. The best I ever got was an inhale, the start of a single word and an exhale. I never achieved my goal. His personality was probably why he made it look so easy to have a great family, great friends and all the memories he shared with so many.

Life Amidst the Dash

Very sad to see this he really was a bright light. Proud to have worked with him at NYPA. The world will miss him.,

I had the pleasure of working with Ron when he worked out of IBEW Local 910. Ron was a very talented Electrician who worked hard and ran a good job when he was the Foreman. The Crew got a lot of quality work done and had a lot of fun along the way, he had a great laugh! My condolences to Tracie and the rest of the family.

I always looked up to "Jim". Growing up, he was the "grown up" but was always fun, full of life, with a laugh that filled a room.

One of my favorite moments. Jim, Matt and I were getting ready for a weekend of ice fishing. Jim had an idea for an old couch. We put ski's on and we were able to tow it around with the sleds on the ice. So much fun.

You have my deepest condolences on your loss. I lost my own father in 2014 and my mom in 2020 so I understand...Robert Crane

That big smile he always had for everyone....he really had a heart of gold.

I will remember Ron with a big smile on his face as he stands back in the kitchen at the Switchyard watching everyone enjoy his "Special Of The Day ". Heaven gained another angel with a Chef´s Hat , a Big Heart and a great smile. Rest in peace Ronnie!
You will certainly be missed.
Thoughts and prayers to Tracie and his family.
With sympathy,
Jessie