Ronald Emerson Dennis passed away on September 20, 2025 after a brief illness at the age of 88. Ronald was born on September 12, 1937 to George Emerson and Dorothy (Manley) Dennis of West Clarksville NY. On April 19, 1958, at the Cuba First Baptist Church, he married the former Janice A. Edwards who survives.
He attended Richburg School where his mother Dorothy was the cook. He went to work at multiple jobs across the area including ACME Electric, Giblin Dairy, Felmont Oil, Cuba Cheese, Alfred State, and Scio Central School where he met many great people over the years.
As a longtime resident of West Clarksville, Ronald served as the honorable Town Judge for over 50 years. He was proud to have officiated an estimated 200 marriages during his tenure. He often jokingly told his children and grandchildren not to speed in Clarksville or he would throw them in jail. He was also active in the fire department for a number of years where he also served as Fire Chief for several years.
When he wasn't working or volunteering, Ronald could be found outdoors. He enjoyed farming with his John Deere tractors, hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren, and patrolling the hillside behind his home in his gator. He also enjoyed sitting on his porch with his morning coffee and afternoon Manhattans. As a lifelong sports fan he enjoyed following the Buffalo Bills, Sabres and New York Yankees.
Ronald was known to be honest, fair, and a bit sarcastic. To poke fun at you was showing that he liked you and he also loved to banter back and forth. He was also known for his love of dogs. His family meant the world to Ronald.
Ronald is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Janice, their children Raymond (Beth) Dennis of Allen NY, Rhonda (Mike) Butzer of King Ferry NY, and Rodney Dennis of West Clarksville NY, their 9 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren, as well as his siblings Ellodene Lamberton of Red Springs NC, Betty Dunshie of Shinglehouse PA, Sharon (Mervyn “Butch”) Robinson of West Clarksville NY, and James Dennis of West Clarksville NY and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his son Robert Dennis on January 5, 2025 and three brothers Robert, George Manley and Deryl Dennis.
The family would also like to thank the doctors and nurses at ECMC in Buffalo for taking care of Ronald while he was at the hospital.
Friends are invited to calling hours on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 2-4 P.M.at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba NY. A Memorial Service will begin at 4:00 P.M. in the funeral home. Pastor Bryan Dobney, will officiate. A private burial to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Clarksville Volunteer Fire Company or ECMC in his memory.
