Julius R. (“Ronnie”) Annese, 76, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife and three children by his side.
Born October 18, 1939, in the Bronx, NY, Ron was the son of Dominic and Grace (Fiore) Annese. After graduating from Norwich High School in 1958, Ron joined the Air Force. He was honorably discharged in 1962. Upon returning to Norwich, in January 1963, he married Elizabeth Gail Griffis. During his 33-year career with the C & U Telephone Company, Ron was instrumental in the establishment of the Norwich Tel-Ops Credit Union, serving as its manager and treasurer for its first five years. He retired from the phone company in 1993 at which time he found his “retirement job,” where he worked until three weeks ago.
Ron was a Norwich City Supervisor for three years and the Republican City Chairman for five years. He was a 14-year member of the Norwich Rotary. As a 60-year member of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Ron served as an altar boy, usher, and co-chaired St. Bart’s popular feast day. He was also a long-standing member of the church’s finance committee. One of his proudest accomplishments was being part of the “Save St. Bart’s” movement, which has enabled St. Bart’s to remain viable to this day.
Ron was an avid bowler. He won Bowler of the Week and King of the Hill several times. Ron loved going to dinner with Gail, attending his children’s and grandchildren’s extracurricular activities, golfing, helping friends and family however he could, and maintaining the beautiful home he shared with Gail, his loving wife of 53 years. His love for his wife, his children, and his grandchildren was apparent to all. Ron was a gentle man who was loved by so many and will be missed more than words can express.
Ron is survived by his wife, Gail; son Ron Annese; daughters Kristine and Tammy Annese; grandchildren Dylan Annese and his fiancée, Monica Jones, Grace Annese, Jacob Perrone, Gabrielle Lo Gerfo Annese; brothers Sal (Laurie) Annese, Fedele (Sharleen) Annese, and Richard (Lilliana) Annese; nephew Bill (Betsy) Cusack; and “By Love” niece and nephew Kathy and Barry Christophersen. Many more nieces and nephews also survive. Ron was predeceased by his granddaughter, Kelsey Ann Annese, on January 17, 2016.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Ron at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 22, 2016, at St. Bartholomew’s Church, where Rev. Ralph Bove, pastor, will officiate. There will be no calling hours. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ron’s memory to Hospice of Chenango County, 21 Hayes Street, Norwich, NY 13815, or the St. Bartholomew’s Church Capital Campaign, 81 East Main Street, Norwich, NY 13815.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilson Funeral Home. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.