Ronald M. “Ron”  Persing – 82 – of Elma, NY, formerly of Hornell, died October 2, 2014 following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on August 7, 1932, he was the son of Marshall & Lucy (Yannone) Persing. 

Ron grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1950).  Following high school, he enlisted in the US Army and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict.  After receiving his Honorable Discharge from the US Army, Ron attended the University of Illinois. 

He was employed as a Diesel Electric Fireman for the former Erie Railroad and later as an Engineer for the Erie Railroad, Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail, retiring in 1999 after 43 years of service.  He has resided in the Elma/Buffalo area for the past 25 years.

While living in Hornell, Ron was a communicant of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church.  He enjoyed playing golf and had been a member of the Twin Hickory Golf Club.  He was an avid antique collector and especially enjoyed collecting cut glass & bean bottles.  For a few years he enjoyed flying single engine airplanes.

Ron was married in 1960 to the former Lucille Plank who died in 1973.  He was also preceded in death by his brother, Philip Persing. 

Surviving are 2 daughters, Mary Susan Kelley (Dale VerVoort) of Appleton, WI and Jennifer (Charles) Raptis of Murrells Inlet, SC; 2 sons, Stephen (Susan Krzyiewski) Persing of Myrtle Beach, SC and Michael Persing of Elma, NY; 1 brother, David (Carol) Persing of Avon, OH; 9 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Ron’s request there will be no calling hours.  Family & friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Monday, October 27, 2014 at 1:30 PM at St. Ann’s Church.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.