Obituary of Ronald D. Forness

Ronald D. Forness

Allegany, NY     Ronald D. Forness of 3863 S. Nine Mile Rd. passed away at home Thursday (November 1, 2018).

Born February 15, 1937 in Olean he was the son of Donald J. and Dorotha L. Withey Forness.  On May 2, 1959 at St. Mary of the Angels Church in Olean he married Ellen M. Murphy who predeceased him May 23, 2002.  On February 19, 2005 in Allegany he married Cynthia A. Mazza who survives.

Ron was a graduate of Allegany High School and attended Cornell University where he received a Bachelor's degree in Science.  He worked 5 years for Wirthmore Feed Co. followed by a year for Allied Mills, Inc. and 5 years for Ralston Purina Co.  For the following 25 years he worked in loan assistance for the Farmers Home Administration, retiring on November 30, 1996.

He always had a passion for farming.  Beginning in 1970 he sold produce at his farm stand on the South Nine Mile until 2017, at which time he retired due to failing health.

Ron was a member of St. Bonaventure Church, was a 3rd degree member of the Allegany Knights of Columbus Council #1220, and was a longtime member of the NRA.  He was a sportsman his entire life and especially enjoyed hunting.

Surviving besides his wife are 4 children Cheryl Antle of Allegany, Lori (Paul) Murray of Fanwood, NJ, Christine Mac Bride of Wilmington, NC and Matthew Forness of Lafayette, LA; 8 grandchildren Kendra Antle, Jonathan Antle, Sean Murray, Drew Murray, Adam MacBride, Ashley MacBride, Ericka MacBride and Drake Forness; 2 step daughters Jessica Kahle of Ischua and Juliet (Enrique) Kahle-Mendez of Valdese, NC; 3 step grandchildren Gregory Kahle, Gabrielle Malone and Ava Tankersley; 1 sister Sharon Browder of Switzerland, FL and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife Ellen he was predeceased by a grandson Zayne Forness in 2017 and a brother Gary Forness in 2017.

Friends will be received on Sunday (November 4, 2018) from 1-4pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State St., Olean.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday (November 5, 2018) at 9:30am.  Rev. James Vacco, OFM, pastor, will be the celebrant.  Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Bonaventure Church or to the Allegany Fire Department, 186 W Main St, Allegany, NY 14706.  Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.