RONALD (RON) MATHEW GLADKOWSKI
Born November 7, 1941 in New York City, son of the late
Mary Plaza Gladkowski & Joseph A Gladkowski,brother of the late Wanda Mance, Barbara Czajkowski, Joseph Gladkowski.
Ron Gladkowski a local artist passed away on October 31, 2014 peacefully at his home, Ron had been creating stained and leaded glass since 1969; he began making terrariums in 1974. He was self taught and learned at a time when there were few supplies available, and much of his glass was "scrounged" from the scrap bins of old, established glass studios. There were no courses available, so he learned much about the craft while sitting over coffee, with some fine glass craftsmen who came to this country early in this century. These were men “who loved, and were very proud of what they did”.
He suffered a setback in 1979 when he was seriously burned over 85% of his body in a house fire. While working through recovery, his biggest fear was that he would not be able to work with glass again, but in less than six months, he made his first terrarium. , he regained his abilities, as his strength and dexterity returned, and just 15 months after his accident, he was once again exhibiting at art festivals. In addition to marketing his work at art fairs, and a few galleries in the eastern United States, in 1996 Ron found another means of creative expression....The Internet. This opened a new outlet for artistic expression, and design, as well as offering potential for introducing people throughout the world to his glass work .When he wasn’t creating glass work or designing web pages; you could always find him in his Gardens where he was one with nature…!
Ron also loved camping & traveling, seeing most of the country through an artist eye with his camera. He enjoyed his card games with his friends at senior center. His love for his family & friends was unconditional and he always showed it especially to his “Grandchildren”. He was a mechanic, an artist, a guy who fixed things, built things and let nothing stop him! “Ron will be deeply missed by all”!
He is survived by his daughters Dawn Gladkowski and her companion Ted Robles of Middletown NY, Wendy Gladkowski and her companion Tony Spagnola of Wurtsboro NY, Valerie Vandermeulen and her husband Gary Vandermeulen III Mt Hope NY. He is also survived by his grandchildren Scott Martel Jr, Ashleigh Vandermeulen, Ian Gladkowski, Garret Vandermeulen IV, Joseph Vandermeulen, Anthony Spagnola, Courtney Vandermeulen, and Abigail Nielsen. And four Great grandchildren also survived by his nephews Thomas Czajkowski (godson), Russell Czajkowski.
Kenneth Mance and, niece Joanne Johnson of New Jersey.
He was predeceased by his Son Ronald M Gladkowski Jr. and Nephew Eugene Mance.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date, In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Ronald’s Name to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford, NY. Friends and family may share their memories and condolences by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.