Ronald Pope was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 9, 1933, to the parents of Charles Pope and Lillian Flournoy. Ronald departed this life on January 29, 2023 to be with his God.
Ronald was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He was highly respected as the oldest sibling. He graduated Miller High School. He also attended Detroit Metropolitan High School where he received a letter in track and varsity in 1949. Ronald served in the Army for two years at the rank of Corporal. Ronald loved telling stories about his family back Detroit. After work he loved going to Little Horn, a local bar in Albany, with friends, Pete Rossi, Mike Antonio and Mike Scully. He also enjoyed being part of the Gong Show at Little Horn. You can always catch Ronald watching Law & Order Special Victims.
Ronald affectionally known as "Papa Pope" moved to Albany, New York in 1968. In 1970 Ronald began his career working in the Medical Field starting at Albany Medical Center as a Respiratory Therapist and worked his way up to become the Chief of Respiratory Therapy under Green and Kellogg. In 1971 Ronald transferred to St. Peter's Hospital where he worked for 25 years. He retired as the Director of Material Management which oversaw the Receiving and Distribution, Patient Transportation, Central Supplies and Sterilization. Ronald did not like staying home after retiring so he decided to become a
School Bus Drive for 16 years. Papa Pope was always impeccably dressed driving in "The Signature Pope Mobile" his Cadillac.
In 1993, Ronald met Sandra Renee Ervin, the love his life, and after 25 years of partnership, they wed on October 7, 2017. They shared a special bond and love that lasted 30 years until his untimely death. Through this we find comfort knowing that Ronald has earned his wings and is the house of the Lord. He
is now surrounded by his brothers, Andrew and Edward, his daughters, Rosie and Debra, who predeceased him in death and holding the hands of his parents, Charles and Lillian.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Sandra Ervin Pope; his siblings, Robert, Joane and Rose Marie; his children, Derick, Ronald Jr., and Dianna. He also leaves behind a host great-grandchildren, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, family and friends, spanning from Detroit to New York.
Visiting hours will be held from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm with a celebration of life to immediately follow at 5:00 pm on Monday, February 6, 2023 at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie.