Theodore Ronsvalle

Theodore Ronsvalle, 87, of Montrose Turnpike Owego and formerly of Nichols, NY passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 surrounded by family at the Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre. Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on October 2, 1926, Son of the late Salvatore and Jennie (Guerrera) Ronsvalle of Valguarnera Caropepe, Sicily, Italy. Ted grew up in Rochester, NY and was a graduate of Ilion High School. Upon enlisting in the US Navy during WWII, he was assigned to the Navy School of Music in Washington, DC where he played in the funeral cortege of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. While serving in the Pacific theater as a Navy musician, Ted played for American prisoners of war boarding ships upon their release from Japanese prison camps. In 1954 Ted was honorably discharged from the Navy and continued his education at the Crane School of Music at Potsdam, NY on the GI Bill. He taught music in several schools in Upstate New York while completing his degree in Psychology at Syracuse University. Ted was a school counselor in Waverly and then became the school psychologist for Elmira and Owego. Later he became a Clinical Psychologist at the Binghamton Psychiatric Center where he practiced for many years. Ted served as the Kirby Band Director (of Nichols, NY) for 25 years. Under his leadership the bandwagon concept in parades was developed, causing the band to grow while performing concerts throughout the Southern Tier. He was actively involved in the Valley Players and the Ti-Ahwaga Community Players: playing bass in the orchestra; acting; serving on the board and as musical director for numerous shows. Ted played bass for the Binghamton Community Orchestra for 25 years. He sang in the choir at the Nichols Presbyterian Church for some 30 years. He was also active in the community serving on the Tioga County Mental Health Board and Tioga County Council on the Arts and was a Life Member of the Susquehanna Valley Audubon Society. Ted's recreation included traveling the world with his wife Pat; playing bridge at the Bridge Studio in Vestal; and attending concerts and plays. Ted took great pleasure watching his grandchildren in sporting activities and other performances. He loved spectator sports especially SU teams and Yankee baseball. Ted is survived by his loving, devoted wife and best friend of 41 years, Patricia Hall Ronsvalle; his sons and daughters-in-law: Nelson and Susan Ronsvalle of Clifton Park, NY; Noel and Cherie Ronsvalle of San Jose, CA; Theodore and Tammy Kingsley Ronsvalle of Greene, NY; his step-children: Jennifer Covey McKeage and her husband Lou McKeage of Binghamton, NY; James Covey of Owego, NY; his grandchildren: Andrew (Sara) Ronsvalle, Sara Ronsvalle, Scott Sobolewski, Sara Sobolewski, Damonn (Nina) Ronsvalle, Taylor Ronsvalle, Austin Covey, Caityln Covey, Danielle Genito, James McKeage, Patrick McKeage; his great grandchildren: Jacob, Jayson, Tyler, Madisyn, Mariah, Kaylee, and several nieces and nephews. Ted was predeceased his first wife, Lucille Taylor Ronsvalle in 1973, his brothers Sam and John Ronsvalle, sisters Mary Cook and Connie Scicli. Ted truly lived a full life. His friends and family will miss his loving, supportive presence, his handsome face and his quick smile. "Good deal!" Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation on Saturday, November 30th from 2-3pm at the Nichols Presbyterian Church. A memorial service and celebration of his life will follow at 3:00 pm with Rev. Ronald Thomas officiating. Interment in the Hanlon Hill Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of one's choice in loving memory of Theodore Ronsvalle. Memories, condolences and pictures may be shared by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com . Caring assistance is being provided by the Cooley Family of the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols.