Ronald Montana

Ronald Raymond Montana, 61, of Cohoes, NY, passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Ron was born on July 17, 1954 in Utica, NY, to Raymond Montana and Teresa (Vitale) Montana, and married Kristine Grunenwald on December 02, 2006. He was a father of 3, stepfather of 2, and grandfather of 5 (soon to be 6). Ron was a U.S. Air Force veteran and worked for the New York Department of Transportation for over 26 years. He was a Senior Structural Engineer for the bridge department. Ron was an alumni of John F. Kennedy High School and graduated from Ulster County Community College (UCCC) with an Associate Degree of Occupational Arts in Drafting and Design. He had a passion for entertaining crowds through his musical and theatrical talents. He spent many years performing in upstate NY; appearing as a regular at Beardsley Manor for nearly a decade, and as a proud thespian during his time at UCCC and the Shandaken Theatrical Society. For several years, Ronnie was a pee wee ski instructor and lift operator for Belleayre Mountain. He was often found on the novice hills wearing short skis and a clown suit while teaching little ones to ski. He was known for mentoring at risk youth prior to relocating to the Albany area. He was also a devoted Harley-Davidson rider, and was a member of the Rah Rah Retards riding group. He was an avid golfer in his spare time and belonged to his union golf league where he was known as "Bernie" His family was his happiness, impart a rare blessing, which ensured he gave each member the part of himself that they needed to thrive in their own lives. He loved each one so unconditionally. Ron was known for his generosity. He never met a stranger. He spoke to everyone as though they were already a friend (even the guy at the next gas pump). Ronald Montana was a passionate man. He was artistic, generous, kind and loving. He will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor. His smile, his laugh, and his love for life, always and forever will continue to light up the room. Ron is survived by his loving wife Kristine Montana; one son: Ronald R. Montana II of San Angelo, TX; two daughters: Amanda and her husband Matthew Kohlhoff of Prescott, MI, and Melissa and her husband Austin Knox of McGuire Air Force Base, NJ; 2 Step-daughters: Alexis Grunenwald of Cohoes, NY and Brianna Grunenwald of Kingston, NY; five grandchildren: Dylan Kohlhoff, Logan, Landen, and Leanna Knox, and Kaden Guilbault; two sisters: Renee' Montana and her husband Mark Seiden of Venice, FL and Sharon and her husband Michael Cardamone of Parkville, MD; and his father Raymond Montana of Kissimmee, FL. He was preceded in death by his mother Teresa (Vitale) Montana. A celebration of life service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at WJ Lyons Jr. Funeral Home in Rensselaer , NY. Friends and family will be received from 4:00 p.m. until services begin at 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Johns Hopkins Medicine.* Checks should be mailed to: Marie Jo Curry. Johns Hopkins Medicine, 750 E. Pratt St #1700, Baltimore, MD 21202. * Please annotate in the memorandum field IMO Ronald Montana/Pancreatic Cancer Department.