Ronald M Powers

Ronald (Ron) Marvin Powers – a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and volunteer – died November 7, 2021, at Meadowbrook Healthcare in Plattsburgh, N.Y., attended these past 3 months by his loving wife of 59 years, family and friends. He was 80.

Born March 4, 1941, in Plattsburgh, to Clayton and Susan (McPherson) Powers, he graduated from Lyon Mt. High School in 1958 and enlisted in the Army soon thereafter in the 82nd Airborne Paratrooper unit. After his initial training at Fort Bragg Army base in North Carolina, he was later stationed in Baumholder, Germany, for two years. He belonged to the Golden Eagles Skydiving Team and completed both free-fall skydiving in addition over 30 static line jumps. Ron was very proud of his accomplishments as paratrooper. He was honorably discharged in 1961 as an E4 Specialist and was awarded the Paratrooper badge.
Ron was employed for over 30 years as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He spent many years delivering mail on the Plattsburgh Air Force Base as well as multiple different postal routes throughout the city. He walked 8-10 miles per day and often preferred riding his bicycle to work in lieu of driving. After retirement, he would routinely meet former friends and acquaintances wherever he went who remembered him fondly as their friendly, dedicated and hardworking mailman who always offered a helping hand who always had a fun story or joke to share.

From an early age and throughout his life, he was an avid outdoorsman spending time with friends and family hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, snowshoeing and camping in the Adirondacks. He and his family spent over 30 years at their beloved cabin on Union Falls Pond where many fond friendships and family memories were made. He and his wife, Judy, became enthusiastic bird watchers enjoying several years observing the return of eagles and loons to the area. They especially enjoyed the latter years spending time with both their granddaughters who learned to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of life at “camp” with a majestic view of White Face Mountain.

Ron will be remembered most for his generosity as much as his sharp wit and uncanny ability for joke telling and storytelling. He met challenges fearlessly, with a kind heart and never-ending sense of humor often reminding others to always “keep the shiny side up.” He never hesitated to help someone in need or danger either at work or while boating on the pond. After retirement, he volunteered both at CVPH Medical Center and the Lyon Mountain Mine and Railroad Museum where he spent hundreds of hours each year working to help create a memorial to his friends and generations of family who lived and worked in the mines in Standish and Lyon Mountain. He was also an enthusiastic craftsman making many handmade painted wooden decorations over the years.

His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife, Judith A. Powers, daughter Stephanie Powers-Grobholz,son-inlaw James K. Grobholz, granddaughters Holly and Laura Grobholz, sisters Grace Powers Kelley and Cynthia Powers LaVigne, brother James H. Powers, cousins Helen and Alice and several nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Rons life in Plattsburgh at the Brown Funeral Home on Monday, November 15, 2021. (Note: The Service was rescheduled from Thursday.) Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed by a service in the Brown Funeral Home Chapel. Interment in the Union Cemetery in Mooers Forks, NY, on Rt. 11, with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations for the creation of a Hometown Heros Banner to honor Ron’s military service. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.