Obituary of Ronald Sakala

Ronald J. Sakala "Loving husband, father and grandfather" Allegany, NY Ronald J. Sakala of 3974 Route 417 passed away Thursday (February 7, 2013) at Olean General Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born November 13, 1940 in Olean he was the son of Julius and Stella Kotch Sakala. He was married to Ramona M. Wheeler who survives. Mr. Sakala was a 1958 graduate of Olean High School where he quarterbacked the football team. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1958 to 1962. From his military training he was able to work as an air traffic controller for six years at Dulles International Airport. He returned to the Olean area where he worked for McGraw Edison Co., and later Bush Industries. He later worked for ASAP Appliance, Inc. and until his retirement at age 70, worked as an area service technician for Mac Gray Services in Buffalo. He was an avid gardener, hunter and fisherman. Never one to be idle, he enjoyed maintaining his home and spending active time with his family and his loving dog Liberty. He was also a devoted Buffalo Bills fan. Surviving besides his wife are three children Tina (Greg) Enos of Ceres, PA, Karen (Ron Holmes) Becker of Allegany and Thomas (Bobbie Jo) Sakala of Midland City, Alabama and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother James Sakala. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Saturday (February 9, 2013) from 11:00am until 2:00pm at which time funeral services will be held. Rev. Christopher Pendley will officiate. Burial will be in Allegany Cemetery with full military honors being accorded by members of the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.