Obituary of Ronald Meadow

Ronald Meadow, 57, of Liberty, New York passed away on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at Catskill Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. Ron was born on December 10, 1954 in Liberty, New York to Nathan and Hennie (Klein) Meadow. His father was an optometrist and his mother was an English teacher in Liberty before marrying. Ron graduated from Liberty High School in 1972 where he was class president. An outstanding athlete, he played varsity football, basketball, and baseball. He attended Cortland University and later transferred to Jacksonville University where he graduated with a BS in political science. After working at various jobs, including as a milkman for his family's dairy and working at Al Cohen's Sport Shop for over 13 years, Ron returned to school to become a teacher and received his Master's Degree from Mount Saint Mary's College. He was passionate about working with kids, and even though affected by numerous health issues, he persevered and would not let it deter him from the job he loved. He taught for 18 years in Livingston Manor, first as a remedial math teacher, and more recently as a third grade teacher. Before suffering from severe arthritis, Ron was involved in numerous activities in the Liberty area. He was a well-respected basketball official for many years and was involved in the scheduling of referees as well as being secretary/treasurer for the Basketball Referee's Association. Over the years, Ron played on several men's softball teams, umpired softball, and loved to play golf. Hunting and fishing were other activities he enjoyed. In addition, Mr. Meadow coached AYSO soccer and Liberty Little League teams when his children were playing. He also enjoyed working with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scout Troop 95. Each year he looked forward to being the official scorekeeper for the Annual Cub Scout Pine Wood Derby Recent interests included cooking, gardening, and watching the Yankees. Ron is survived by his wife of 25 years, Bambi of Liberty; cherished daughter, Ashley of Lansdale, PA; beloved son, Ethan of Liberty; brother, Lee Meadow of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister, Nicci Meadow of Boston, Massachusetts; aunt, Fran Meadow of Boca Raton, Florida; cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as his four-legged friends, Lucy, Duke, Jill, Odie, and Tinker Bell. He was predeceased by his father, Nathan; mother, Hennie, and his brother, Howard, as well as several adored pets, Seiko, Nugget, Jordan, Banana, and Jack. Services will be held at 4 pm on Wednesday, September 19th at the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home, 388 Broadway, Monticello. Burial will follow at the Liberty Cemetery. For more information please visit www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals at Catskill Regional Medical Center who helped to care for Ron during the last three weeks of his life. They were kind, caring, and compassionate, and we truly appreciate everything they did. Donations may be made to Liberty Little League. Ron often said that playing little league was a very important part of his childhood, and he wanted all kids to be able to play if they desired. Ron's philosophy of life was evident in a recent e-mail to family members."No headlines, do your job well, be appreciated without being noticed." He will be truly missed.