Ronald L. Cotanch

RONALD L. COTANCH , age 79, formerly of Groton, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care in Zephyrhills, Fl. “Ron” was born June 23, 1933 at Home in Groton, a son of the late LaVerne and Ruth Lombard Cotanch. Ron was graduated from Groton High School and in 1956 was married for 32 years to the former Elizabeth “Penny” Bryant who passed away in 1988.

Ron worked on the family poultry farm for many years and later became a poultry salesman covering a northeast territory. He was a sports enthusiast and in his early years played baseball and basketball. In retirement golf became his passion and allowed for many new friendships. He was involved in many community activities and was a member and Past Master of Groton Lodge #496, F. & A.M., a member of the Scottish Rite as a 32 degree mason and a member and Past Patron of the Hudson-Fulton-Dryden Chapter #250, Order of the Eastern Star. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of the Cayuga-Tompkins Masonic District in 1974-1975 and had served as District Deputy Grand Lecturer of the Cayuga-Tompkins District O.E.S. in 1987-1988. Ron and his wife, the former Gail Hadley, had made their home in Florida since 2003. With beautiful blue eyes that would sparkle at the mere mention of any family member, he was very proud of his family and did not hesitate to brag about them.

Survivors include his wife, Gail Cotanch of Zephyrhills, FL; his daughters, Karen (Scott) Bishop, Susan Spagnola, Barbara Hebert, Lisa Cotanch and Lori (Rob) Sandoz; his grandchildren, Christopher & Patrick Bishop, Nichole & Ryan Clark, Mya Hebert, Ashley Winn, Valerie Nopper, Karrie Ayee, Jamie Spagnola, Leona & Griffin Sandoz; nieces, nephews and cousins. His sister, Evelyn Baker and a son-in-law, Kevin Spagnola predeceased him.

Memorial services will be held at 10 AM, Monday, July 30, 2012, at the Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main St., Dryden, NY. Friends will be greeted by the family at the funeral home after the memorial service. Burial will follow in Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden. Members of Groton Lodge will offer the Masonic Service at the time of the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are directed to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777www.perkinsfuneralhome.com