Ronald ‘Neener’ Volz

ALLEGANY — Ronald Volz, known by Neener to those who loved him, 72, of Allegany, went to be with his Lord and Savior following a long and courageous battle with dementia, Parkinson’s and kidney disease, on Saturday, (Feb. 7, 2026), surrounded at home by his family.

Born in Olean on March 8, 1953, to the late Stanley and Veronica Cook Volz, Ronald spent his childhood in the Olean area and graduated from Olean High School with the Class of 1972. On June 18, 1983 he married the love of his life, Betty Jo Schoonover, who survives.

Neener was employed by Conap Inc. for about 30 years before staying at home to raise his family, whom he cherished over everything else in life. His wife, as well as his surviving children, Ashley (Tad) Buchanan, Zachary (Rachel) Volz and Bradley (Wynter) Volz will forever remember him as a man who loved his family more deeply than most could ever hope to.

His love was boundless and took to new heights when he became a grandpa. There was nothing in the world more precious to Neener than hearing his grandkids call him ”Grandpa” and “Papa Neener.”

In addition to his wife and children, Neener is survived by six grandchildren, Paige Buchanan, Carter Buchanan, Owen Buchanan, Liam Buchanan, Emilia Volz and Lincoln Volz. He also leaves behind four siblings, David (Kathy) Volz, Ken (Pam) Volz, Susie (Ed) Conhiser and Diane Scanlon; as well as more incredible friends than could be captured on paper, including Kenneth Dietemen and Walter Hollamby.

Neener was predeceased by his father, Stanley Volz; his mother, Veronica Volz; his brother, Edward Volz; and his sister, Alice Rose Volz.

His passing leaves a void that will be felt for the rest of our lives, but the enduring legacy of his humor, love for life, and the beautiful memories that he has left us with will help us to persevere. We love you forever.

Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday (Feb. 13, 2026) at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean, where a prayer service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 14, 2026). A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Bonaventure Church. Pastor David Tourville will be the celebrant. Burial will take place at a later date at St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Neener’s honor to the Olean Parkinson’s Support Group, C/O Jami Fichter, 516 Alder St., Olean, NY 14760.