Obituary of Ronald P. Hamlin

"Ron" Age 82, of Elmira, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2017, in Waverly NY, at Elderwood Nursing Facility, of congestive heart failure and vascular dementia. Ron was born September 15, 1935, in Elmira, a son of the late Florence M. (Ruggles) and Ira J. Hamlin. He is also predeceased by his siblings: Barbara Stirling, Richard "Dick" and Alan Hamlin, nephew Gary Hamlin. Ron is survived by his loving wife Mary Ryan Hamlin of Elmira; daughters: Lisa (Craig) Cundy of Horseheads, Amie Hamlin of Ithaca, Julie (John) Luther of Franklin MA, Robin Sherman of Elmira, Tammy (Gordon) Howe of Memphis TN; grandchildren, Kyle (Joe Butler) Cundy, Blair (Matt) Warner, Emily Luther, Duncan Luther, Meara Hamlin, Madison Howe, and Olivia Howe; great-grandchildren, Stryker Miller, Vivian Warner and Thaddeus Warner; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Marjorie Bates Hamlin, Edward and Marlene Ryan; along with numerous nieces and nephews. As a child Ron helped his brother Dick with his paper route, and took great pride in peddling papers, later on with a route of his own. From a young age he played clarinet and tenor saxophone, playing in the Southside High School Band. Ron performed in Dick Hamlin's Orchestra, and other groups, during the 1950's and early '60's, when a night out listening and dancing to the Hamlin's was a real treat. After graduating from Southside High School, Ron worked for his father at Hamlin's Music Store, starting what would become a 64 year career. A family business, he worked with his brother Dick, nephews, Gary and John Hamlin and daughter Tammy Howe. Ron's daughter Lisa worked with him for the store's last 15 years, allowing her father to continue doing the work he very much loved. Ron had great relationships with his customers, regional school music directors, and salespeople. He was more a friend than a business man to all who frequented the store. Ron spent his life dedicated to providing the best customer service, quality instruments, and great deals, to all. Hamlin's Music Store was a true service to the community and it was a member of the downtown community. Ron was a respected businessman in both Elmira and Elmira Heights. Apart from his love of music, he also loved nature….including feeding and admiring birds and other wildlife. He enjoyed walks to Miller Pond and the companionship of his Whippet dogs. He also loved cars and enjoyed going to the Watkins Glen races. Ron was past president of the Elmira Lion's Club and the Elmira Kennel Club, and served on the Chemung County SPCA board. Until the very end, Ron was known as a true gentleman with a great sense of humor. His family would like to thank the Elderwood staff for their care and compassion. During his stay at Elderwood the staff often commented on Ron's thoughtfulness and consideration. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m. Those wishing may remember Ron with a donation to either, The Elmira City School District, Music Fund, 951 Hoffman Street, Elmira NY 14905, Elderwood Nursing Facility, Memory Unit, 37 N Chemung Street, Waverly NY 14892, or Alzheimer's Association, 435 E. Henrietta Road, Rochester NY 14620.