Obituary of Ronald S. Hawley

Ronald S. Hawley "Ron" Surrounded by his family to whom he devoted his entire life, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2015. Born February 16, 1951, Ron was a lifelong resident of Elmira, and son of the late Sophia (Dobek) and Michael Hawley, Jr. He was also predeceased by father-in-law Joseph Malandra and brother-in-law Vinnie Malandra. Ron is survived by his best friend and wife of 41 years, JoEllen; children, Jessica L. Hawley of Boston MA, Adam S. Hawley of Endicott NY with his wife Nicole and their children Benjamin and Alexander, Justin M. Hawley of Baltimore MD; siblings, Michael A. Hawley III and his wife Doris, of Fayetteville NC, Charlene A. Craven and husband Phil of Horseheads, Michelle P. Chapman, with Tom Walushka of Millerton PA, and Anita L. Mawhir of Elmira Heights; very special mother-in-law Stella Malandra of Elmira; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Susan Rossi of Elmira, with Patrick Sweeney; Carol and Dave Dehmler of Phoenix AZ, Joseph Malandra of Elmira; special friends, Vicki and Tony Fabrizio, Paula and Pete Carozza, Mary and Bob Edger, Julie and Terry Hurley; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends, including his Grove Street neighbors. Ron was a 1969 graduate of EFA. He was employed with the City of Elmira for 34 years, serving the last 15 years as the Director of Public Works. After retiring from the city, Ron went to work with Edger Contracting, a job he truly loved. Every July for more than 30 years, Ron's bright blue eyes could be found on the beach at Ocean City watching over his family and many Elmira friends that joined him there. Ron enjoyed hunting and was an avid NY Giants and NASCAR fan. When asked who his favorite driver was, Ron often answered "whoever is driving the Miller Lite car." He enjoyed listening to Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones as he worked around his house. Ron could repair, remodel or build anything around a home, and he also enjoyed woodworking and gardening. Ron was the Grove Street fixit man who never said no to a request for help and his garage and backyard often served as a welcome place for all to gather. When his day's work was done, Ron would usually enjoy a cold beer before cooking great family meals. Never far from Ron, throughout the day, was his faithful canine companion, Marley. Above all else, Ron was a good, kind, decent man who loved his family dearly, with his grandsons, who called him "Jagee," being the light of his life. Ron's strong, humble presence and his ever present smile will be forever loved and missed. At his request there will be no calling hours. Friends are invited to Ron's Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., St. Casimir's Church. Those wishing may remember Ron with a donation to CareFirst, 11751 E. Corning Road, Corning NY 14830.