Colonie - Ronald Clay Bess, 78, passed away on December 17, 2025, after battling a long illness. Preceded in death by his parents Coy Clay “Pete” Bess and Elizabeth (Salsburg) Bess.

Survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Patti Ann Bess; adoring daughter, Jamie Lynn Bess (Jarrod) and adoring son, Ronald Clay Bess II (Krystal); three granddaughters, Trinity Bess-Eldridge, Olivia Bess and Alana Bess; his sister, Patricia Fusco and brother, Robert Bess (Patrice); and five nephews, Michael Fusco (Denise), Anthony Fusco (Pilar), Andrew Fusco (Patricia), Derick Bess (Nicole), and Kyle Bess (Lhamo).

    Ron was born on March 25,1947 in Albany NY. He graduated from Albany High School in 1966 and right after joined the Marine Corps where he served in the Vietnam War. He then worked as a carpenter. He was so talented and could build or fix anything, a true handy man. He later worked as a Public Adjuster from which he would later retire from.  Ron enjoyed the simple things in life. He took pride in babysitting his nephews when they were young and remained close to them throughout his life. He was their Uncle Ron, but he was also known to many in the community as “Uncle Ron” and he was someone that would listen and give the best advice to those who reached out.

    He treasured little talks with his wife. He loved watching Sunday football with his son and preparing food with his daughter. His sense of peace was riding on the boat and spending gorgeous days on the lake and by camp fires with his family and friends. He loved spending time with his three precious granddaughters. He enjoyed a hot cup of coffee in the morning and a cold beer at night on the balcony overlooking Myrtle Beach on family vacations. Most of all Ron was a family man. He was the rock of the family, a steady in our lives. He had a special sense of humor and was one of the most generous people you would ever meet with a kind loving heart. He was courageous, loyal, and loving and he will forever be our hero and forever in our hearts. 

    Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Colonie on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.  A service of remembrance will be held at 12:00 pm and entombment services will be held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery at 2:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron’s memory to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be appreciated.