GLENS FALLS – Ronald Clinton Diffee, 72, of Fredella Ave., passed away at his home in Glens Falls, on Wednesday, December 9, 2020.
Born on March 22, 1948, in Granville, Ronald was one of 13 children to the late John and Velva (Richards) Diffee.
Ronald attended school in South Glens Falls and on July 16, 1966, he married his high school sweetheart and soulmate, Jacqueline Mott. They were joined in marriage at the Community Chapel in West Glens Falls and shared 54 wonderful years together.
Throughout his life, Ronald worked odd jobs, until more recently, he was a self-employed contractor. He specialized in exterior renovations on homes and business. Ronald was a talented handyman who would tackle any job including siding, masonry work and painting. In addition to being a talented contractor, he also loved to cook Italian food, bake pastries and make homemade doughnuts for his family and friends to enjoy.
Since childhood, Ronald was a cynical prankster, he loved to rib and joke with his family and friends to make them laugh. When you were around Ronald, you knew that he cared for you, because of the way he would tease you.
Most of all, he was proud to have five devoted sons and a wonderful wife. His grandchildren and great grandchildren also held a special place in his heart.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his many brothers and sisters, Jacqueline (Sonny) Woodard, Darleen Holmes, Lauren (Al) Hart, Vonda (Bob) Lance, John Diffee, Darl Diffee, his brothers in law, Paul Hayes and Gordon VanLint and several nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline Diffee; his children, Ron (Jasmine Blackmer) Diffee, Darl (Melissa) Diffee, James (Jennifer Blackmer) Diffee, Shaun (Jessica Ball) Diffee and Jack (Rebecca) Diffee; 10 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; his siblings, Gwendolyn Hayes, Clark (Anna) Diffee, Audie (Patricia) Diffee, Darcy (Robert) LaPlant, Joreen VanLint, and Doreen (Gurney Bennett) Benard; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours will be from 3 to 5 p.m., on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Everyone is required to wear masks and follow social distancing.
Graveside services will be in the spring at Mettowee Cemetery in Granville.
The family suggests that memorial donations may be sent to a charity of one’s choice.
I am sad to say that I never got to know Ronald. But I am pretty sure that his legacy lives on in the family members he had who work with us to this day (and a few who have crossed back and forth over our threshold over the past 25 years). They are each, in their own way, a piece of him.
Our deepest condolences to Jack, Jamie, Jeremy and James. We love you guys and are really sorry for your loss. A special mention to some Diffees of the past, in particular Darl, Aaron and Ronnie.
If Ronald was anything like these family members, he was a memorable character and someone we would all be proud to know. We all recognize and mourn this loss together with the Diffee family.
Sorry for your loss Jackie and Family…Ron was a great man.He sure knew how to make me laugh whenever I was there to visit.He will always be in our hearts..Love you Jackie❤️RIP Ronald
I am very sorry for all the Diffee family. Please know that you are all in my prayers as well as Ron. We were neighbors in Fenimore . The Diffee’s were a big bunch of fun. RIP Ron.