GILBERTSVILLE – Ronald Wentz “Dusty” Hay passed away peacefully May 23, 2012 in Zephyrhills, Fla.
He was born in Syracuse, the son of Donald & Naomi (Wentz) Hay. Following high school, Ron attended Morrisville College and Cornell University. He began his teaching career as the “Ag” teacher at Gilbertsville School where he met and married Beverly Keene. They were married on Sept. 11, 1955. They moved back to Syracuse where he was the associate 4-H agent in Onondaga County for 10 years. He was also a Kiwanis member. In 1967 they moved back to Gilbertsville, where Ron was one of the first three teachers at the new BOCES in Chenango County, where he taught conservation and heavy equipment operation for 20 years. Not wanting to be bored after retiring from teaching in 1987 he started “Dusty’s Floor Sanding.” After a hunting accident forced his second retirement, he owned the “Hands of Stone” business and operated out of Cooperstown and at the Dreams Park until he finally retired, spending summers in New York and winters in Florida. He loved working with people and was active in the community. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Gilberstville, the volunteer ambulance and the Morris Rotary.
Ron is survived by his wife Beverly, his daughter Deb Hay and Tom Davis, his son Dan Hay and wife Carol, his son Andy Hay and wife Melissa and daughter Kim and her husband George Mehlrose; four grandchildren Kristin, Jessica, Mikaela, Marissa, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and great grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Phil Hay and family of California, his sister Karen Hay of Syracuse and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Robert, his sister Linda, his son Randy and his grandson Jordan. He was blessed with countless friends.
Calling hours will be Sunday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Gilbertsville, with a church service to follow.
Donations in Ron’s name may be made to the following; Hospice of Dade City Florida, 37441 Clinton Ave., Dade City, Florida 33525. Gilbertsville Emergency Squad, PO Box 181 Gilbertsville, NY 13776 , Morris Rotary Club PO Box 414 Morris, NY 13808.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnstonfh.com Arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.