Ronald J. Sakala
1940 -2013

ALLEGANY -- Ronald J. Sakala, of 3075 Route 417, passed away Thursday (Feb. 7, 2013) at Olean General Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Born Nov. 13, 1940, in Olean, he was a son of Julius and Stella Koch Sakala. He was married to Ramona M. Wheeler, who survives.

Mr. Sakala was a 1958 graduate of Olean High School, where he was quarterback of the football team. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1958 to 1962. From his military training, he was able to work as an air traffic controller for six years at Dulles International Airport.

He returned to the Olean area, where he worked for McGraw-Edison Co. and later Bush Industries. He later worked for ASAP Appliance Inc., and, until his retirement at age 70, he worked as an area service technician for Mac Gray Services in Buffalo.

He was an avid gardener, hunter and fisherman. Never one to be idle, he enjoyed maintaining his home and spending active time with his family and his loving dog, Liberty. He also was a devoted Buffalo Bills fan.

Surviving besides his wife are three children, Tina (Greg) Enos of Ceres, Pa., Karen (Ron Holmes) Becker of Allegany and Thomas (Bobbie Jo) Sakala of Midland City, Ala.; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, James Sakala.

Burial will be in Allegany Cemetery with full military honors accorded by members of the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the American Cancer Society.