Ronald Pray

Ronald B. Pray, 89, of Grove Street, Keeseville, New York passed away peacefully at his home on June 1, 2024, with his family by his side and under the care of Hospice of the North Country.
Ronald was born in Keeseville, February 15, 1935, the youngest son of Raymond Pray Sr. and Gertrude (Dean) Pray.
Ronald graduated from Keeseville Central School. He then enlisted in the United States Army in November of 1954, where he was a Military Police Officer until his honorable discharge in April 1956.
In November of 1956, Ronald Married Margaret Doner. They raised four sons.
He became a New York State Corrections officer and worked at Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora until 1970, where he had a heart attack on the job at the age of 35. At that time, he was granted medical disability from the New York State Department of Corrections.
Ronald had a passion for farming and business. In 1965, he and his brother Wayne opened Pray's Farmers Market in Plattsburgh. Upon the tragic death of Wayne, Ronald and his wife Margaret continued to operate the business. Nearly 60 years later and 3 generations, the family business remains open in the same location.
In 1985, Ronald and his sons continued the legacy of operating the family farm on Route 9N in Keeseville. He took pride in his greenhouses and growing delicious sweet corn and strawberries.
Ronald was a dedicated member of the AuSable River Masonic Lodge #149 where he was a 32nd degree Mason. He was very proud of his service in the Masonic order.
Ronald is survived by his companion, Barbara Cahoon; his sister, Mrs. Lorraine LaValley of Tupper Lake; his three sons, Blair (Sara) of Peru, Randy (Crissy) of Cadyville and Regan (Pamela) of Peru; and his daughter-in-law, Maureen Pray of Keeseville. Ronald is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Margaret in May of 2010; his son, Darcy Pray in June of 2020; and his brothers, Raymond, Clifford, William, Vernon and Wayne.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 from 11AM to 1PM at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, followed by a Masonic service, Military Honors and presentation of the State Flag by the New York State Department of Corrections.
A reception will follow for family, friends and business associates at Pray's Farmers Market, 605 Route 3, Plattsburgh.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ronald's memory may be made to Hospice of the North Country, 358 Tom Miller Road, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 518-643-9055.