Ronald C. Gariepy

Colonie, NY - Ronald C. Gariepy, 75, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 15, 2025, with his loving family by his side. 

Born in Leominster, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Clarence L. & Mary C. Gariepy (Valente). Ron’s family moved to Troy, NY at a young age where he later graduated Troy High School in 1967. He went on to study at Hudson Valley Community College where he earned a degree in Commercial HVAC/R systems. Ron prepared his resume only once at a young age, as he enjoyed a successful 35-year career at Eastern Heating & Cooling working as a devoted technician. At work, “Ronnie” was a friend and mentor to his colleagues. For a good portion of his career, he was solely dedicated to maintaining local GE sites, where he enjoyed sharing his veteran knowledge in training newer technicians. 

Ron had many hobbies that he always loved to share with others. Cooking may have been his favorite, as he was always known for hosting a tasty BBQ. This was also something he enjoyed sharing with the love of his life, Kate. 

Ron was the “family weatherman,” and an avid sports watcher of golf, his Yankees and the Washington Commanders. He and his brother, Billy always enjoyed their Super Bowl Sunday tradition of enjoying wings and pizza from Ralph’s Tavern. He also loved going on fishing trips in Maine and Lake George with his father and Massachusetts cousins. He was tasked with the very important job of making hundreds of buffalo wings. 

Although Ron loved his hobbies, family was always his priority. Whether it was cooking on holidays (especially Thanksgiving), traveling on various family trips to Europe, the Caribbean, and Cape Cod, or spending time with his grandchildren babysitting and going to youth sporting events, you could always find Ron looking to create the best family memories. He became very skilled at beating the traffic at youth sporting events. 

Ron is predeceased by his brother, Stephen. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years Katherine (Kate), his children Brian, Michelle Cafaro (Philip), his grandchildren Taylor and Hadley Cafaro; Brother William (Kirsti), several Brother-in-laws, Sister-in-laws, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. 

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home beginning at 6:00pm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made at https://www.stjude.org 

To share a memory of Ronald or leave a special message for his family, please click on the guestbook link below.