ALTAMONT — Newton T. Ronan of Altamont, a family man who contributed to many community groups, died on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020. He was 94.

 Born in Albany, he graduated early from Albany High School in order to enlist in the Army. In 1980, he retired from AT&T. “Newt and Jane, the love of his life, then bought the Altamont Paint Store from Olive Lape, where he continued to work on clocks,” his family wrote in a tribute. 

He was married to Louise Jane for almost 60 years. Together they raised three daughters: Gail, Deborah, and Martha. He spent his free time working on their home, fixing everything, and restoring his 1924 Dodge touring car.

The family enjoyed camping together, and Jane and Newt went on many RV trips with the “Dirty Dozen.”

Mr. Ronan was a member of the Telephone Pioneers, Family Motor Coach Association, the Altamont Rescue Squad, Altamont Volunteer Fire Department, and Altamont Reformed Church.

“He took great joy in singing in the church choir, his deep bass voice carrying on through his last days,” his family wrote. “He enjoyed his morning coffee with the CRAFT club at the Home Front Café.” 

The family would like to acknowledge the help and friendship of Randy Crounse; the care of the Eddy Visiting Nurses; and the friendship and care of Neil Mitnick, D.O.; and the faculty and resident physicians of the Albany Family Medicine Group.

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 Newton T. Ronan is survived by his three daughters, Gail R. Kidder, Deborah McKee and her husband, Kevin, and Martha Davis; his grandchildren for whom he was beloved PopPop, Jason and Adam (Molly) Wroblewski, Anna McKee and Maggie (Lucas) Rosen, and Alison Davis, Rebecca Rossman, Megan (Ez) Miftari, and Karrie (Brett) Davis; his 10 great-grandchildren; his many nieces and nephews for whom he was a favorite uncle; and Deb Taylor for whom he was an “adopted dad.”

His wife, Jane Ronan, died before him as did his grandson, Michael Wroblewski; his twin sister, Patricia Marohn, and four other siblings; and his son-in-law, Stewart Kidder. 

Calling hours will be held at the Fredendall Funeral Home on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m.  “A choral memorial service will be held at a later date when it will be possible for us all to sing together,” his family wrote. 

Memorial messages may be left at www.altamontenterprise.com/milestones.

Memorial contributions may be made to Altamont Reformed Church, Good Samaritan Fund, Post Office Box 671, Altamont NY 12009, or to a charity of choice.