Ronald Emerson Dennis, husband, father, grandfather

WEST CLARKSVILLE — Ronald Emerson Dennis passed away Saturday (Sept. 20, 2025) after a brief illness, at the age of 88.

Ronald was born Sept. 12, 1937, to George Emerson and Dorothy Manley Dennis of West Clarksville. 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, Rhonda (Mike) Butzer of King Ferry and Rodney Dennis of West Clarksville; their nine grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; as well as his siblings, Ellodene Lamberton of Red Springs N.C., Betty Dunshie of Shinglehouse Pa., Sharon (Mervyn “Butch”) Robinson of West Clarksville and James Dennis of West Clarksville; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son, Robert Dennis on Jan. 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 from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 27, 2025) at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull St., Cuba. A memorial service will begin at 4 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.