Ronald J. "Rugsy" Rogowski

RONALD J. "RUGSY" ROGOWSKI, 1959 - 2025

Ronald J. "Rugsy" Rogowski passed peacefully at his home on November 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Ron was born in Utica on October 7, 1959 to Jacklyn and Richard Rogowski. Ron was a very special person with unique challenges throughout his life, none of which kept him from enjoying his family and his life.

Ron attended New York Mills schools and received his high school diploma, as well as training in food service. Following his graduation, Ron began working at the Yahnundasis Golf Club, where he was employed for 47 years. Ron was so very proud of his job at "the club" and was beloved by many members there, always greeting them with a smile. A retirement party was held by his family on October 5th of this year to recognize his many years of dedicated service to his one and only employer. Ron had previously been honored by his many friends at the Yahnundasis to commemorate 40 years of service; at that time, he was acknowledged with a huge party and his very own personalized parking space at the club!

Ron loved his family and loved spending time with his parents, brothers, nieces and nephews, and more recently, his great nieces and nephews. There was nothing like family dinners and birthday parties, along with jet skiing, fishing, swimming, and playing cards at the family camp on 4th Lake; all of these things brought him immense joy. An avid sports fan, "Rugsy" cheered for his favorite teams, including the Utica University hockey team, the New York Mets, the New York Rangers, and the New York Giants; and there was a time when he cheered enthusiastically for the Philadelphia Phillies!

Ron is survived by his parents, Jackie and Richard, 3 brothers: Jim (Debby) Rogowski, Tom (Laurie) Rogowski, and Bill (Betsy) Rogowski, as well as nephews Eric, Kyle (Alex), Bryan (Amanda), and Matt (Catrina). He is also survived by nieces Allison, who was also Ron's goddaughter (Will), Kate (Mike), and Kara (Dylan). Additionally, there are many great nieces and nephews including Charlotte, Eliza, Maxwell, Lilly, D'Angelo, Myles, Campbell, Mackenzie, and Savannah. Ron also enjoyed time with his extended family, most especially his cousins Diane, Ann, and John as well as his walking buddy, Susie. Ron was predeceased by his favorite aunt and uncle, Eileen and Al Waldron.

"Rugsy" was a fun-loving, popular friendly guy and thus had many, many friends, none more special than Nick and Sue who graciously took Ron to many Utica University hockey games over the years. Ron was a proud NY Mills Marauder and was equally proud of his Polish heritage. The family is grateful to all of Ron's friends and acquaintances who kept him in their thoughts and prayers during his illness.

Ron was a long-time communicant of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in New Hartford. Per the family's wishes, there will be no public calling hours. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian burial which will be celebrated on Tuesday morning, November 18, 2025 at 10:30 at Sacred Heart and St. Mary Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 201 Main Street, NY Mills, NY. The family will be receiving visitors in church at the conclusion of Ronald's Funeral Mass. Burial will take place at St. Stanislaus and Casimir Cemetery in Whitestown.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to Ron's medical team and caregivers who provided exceptional and compassionate care during his illness, including Dr. Andrea Johnson, Dr. Cathy, Hospice Care, Inc (especially Crystal and Chaplain Wally), family friend Deacon Kirk, and Henderson Home Care (especially Nancy, Kelly, and Kat).

In memory of Ron, please consider a donation to Hospice and Palliative Care of New Hartford, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413, The ARC Oneida-Lewis, 245 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13501, or The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society, Bloodcancerunited,org.

Put on your favorite team jersey, order your favorite meal and go cheer for your favorite team!

Arrangements are under the care of the Wolanin Funeral Home, 266 Main Street, New York Mills, NY 13417.

To view Ronald's online memorial please go to:

www.wolaninfuneralhome.com