Obituary of Ronald B. Price

Ronald "Ron" B. Price, AKA "Arnold", age 58 of Myrtle Beach SC, and formerly of Niagara Falls and Lewiston, NY passed away Saturday, June 22, 2013 after a lengthy illness while at home under the care of Hospice with his wife and children at his side. Ron was born August 8, 1954 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late William and Lillian (Mulnix) Price. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Kelly Business Institute and Niagara County Community College. A Naval Veteran of the Vietnam War, Ron served from 1971 to his honorable discharge in 1975. He served aboard the USS America and was the recipient of numerous awards and medals. Ron earned the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation Award. After his release from active duty, Ron went on to join the U.S. Army Reserves, affiliated with the NY State Armory in Niagara Falls, NY. Ron was previously employed at the "former" Kimberly Clark Plant, Cascades Plant, and the Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 7487 in Lewiston and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion. He was also a longtime member of the former American Bowling Congress and the Niagara Falls Mens Association USBC. Ron bowled for many years out of Frontier Lanes in Lewiston with the Nate's Type-writer League and the Thursday Nite Mens League. He participated in many local and state tournaments earning numerous awards and accomplishments. Ron was also known for his kindness and big heart. He and his wife were foster parents to several children while residing in New York. Ron was an avid football fan always cheering for the Buffalo Bills, even though he had moved to South Carolina. He enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, summer bbq"s and parties, and spending quality time with his family, grandchildren and friends. He enjoyed and always looked forward to going to Dunn Tire Raceway and Empire Raceway to watch his family members, the Balser's, Leone's and Fuller's drag race. On the day of his death, Bill Balser won a championship race in honor of Ron. Ron married Karen Jean Mattoon on December 17, 1990 in Niagara Falls, NY. In July of 2011 the family moved from New York and purchased a home in Myrtle Beach, SC. In addition to his wife, Ron is survived by a daughter, AnnMarie (William) Balser, Jr. of West Seneca, NY; two sons, Michael (Christina Dietz) Price of Myrtle Beach, SC and James (Rebecca) Price of Niagara Falls, NY; his grandchildren, Deanna, Colin, twins - William, III & Dominic, Lexus, Selena, Dakota, Kyle, Destiny, Sierra, and James Jr.; a brother, Donald (Diane) Price of Hartland, NY; three sisters, Linda (Jim) Lietch of Canada, Donna Sullivan and Cheryl (Melvin) Vinton both of Niagara Falls, NY; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a special niece, Little-thorn Camille (Leone) Fuller. He was predeceased by a brother, William "Billy" Price and his in laws, George and Jeanette (Buttery) Mattoon. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Thursday, August 8, from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM. A Military Service will be held in Ron's honor on Friday August 9 at 10:30 am in Academy Park, Lewiston. Ron's final resting place will be in Arlington National Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Contributions may be made to Veterans Administration Medical Center, 3995 Bailey Ave., Buffalo, NY in honor of Vietnam Veteran, Ronald B. Price.