Ronald W. Salmonson

WELLSVILLE — Ronald William Salmonson, 82, passed away early Friday morning (Sept. 25, 2026) at Jones Memorial Hospital, with his loving wife and family beside him.

Mr. Salmonson was born Nov. 28, 1943, in Wellsville, to John William and Alice Mae Olson Salmonson. On Feb. 14, 1975, at her parents’ house in Andover, Ron married the love of his life, Raelene D. Lehman, who survives.

He was a 1961 graduate of Wellsville High School. Ron proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1962–1966.

Ron’s first job after the separating from the navy was with Eastman-Kodak in Rochester. After that, he spent nearly 20 years at First Trust Union Bank in Wellsville. He also worked at K-Mart, ARC and Dresser-Rand in Wellsville. Ron concluded his career with the U.S. Post Office in Wellsville, serving the community as a rural mail carrier until his retirement.

In addition to his wife of 51 years, Ron is survived by four children, Shelly (Gary) Gates of Newalla, Okla., Amy Salmonson of Wellsville, Jason (Jessica) Salmonson of Friendship and Brian (Debra) Salmonson of Wellsville; three siblings, Linda Saey of Sun City, Ariz., Gary (Sharon) Salmonson of St. Cloud, Minn. and Marty Salmonson of Phoenix, Ariz.;  10 grandchildren, Robbie (Becky) Leon and April Leon, both of Edmond, Okla., Gracie (Aric) Jordan of Allegany, Janessa Hirt of Wellsville, Jackson Mascho and Wyatt Salmonson, both of Friendship, Brandon Roulo of Collins, Anthony Button, Noah Salmonson and Haylie Salmonson all of Wellsville; five great-grandchildren, Noah Leon, Brooklynne Leon, Everlee Leon, Easton Jordan, Callan Jordan and one more on the way; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Along with his parents, Ron was predeceased by three in-laws, Gail Salmonson, Bob Saey and Kenny Lehman; his special friend and brother-in-law, Dale Ordiway; and his beloved granddaughter, Mikalah Roulo, affectionately remembered as the family’s “angel.”

There will be no prior visitation. Ron will be honored by his family at a memorial service at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover, on a date to be announced.

Memorial contributions in Ron’s name may be made to Elm Valley 4-H Harvesters, C/O Michelle Erway, 111.5 W Pearl St., Wellsville, NY 14895. Please put “Elm Valley 4-H Harvesters” in the memo line; and Allegany County Cancer Services, Inc., P.O. Box 534, Wellsville NY 14895.

Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. A full obituary may be read, and online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.