Ronald F Pidgeon

Ronald F. Pidgeon, 84, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 14th surrounded by his loving family. Born in Schenectady on July 4, 1933, Ron was the son of the late Frank and Mary (Tariello) Pidgeon. After his graduation from Nott Terrace HS in 1951, Ron enlisted in the US Army during the Korean War and was trained as a heavy weapons infantryman. As a talented trumpeter, Ron auditioned and received an assignment to the US Military Academy Band at West Point. His duties involved bugle musical performances with the internationally renowned Hellcats and the USMA Marching Band. As a lead bugle, he performed both post and off post taps at ceremonial rituals. Honorably discharged in 1954, he attended Syracuse University and received his BS in accounting in 1958. Ron began a career of 36 years with NYS Public Service Commission as a Utilities and Transportation Auditor and later with the Department of Transportation as a contract Resolution Auditor prior to his retirement in 1995. Ron's love for music continued as he became a life member of the Schenectady-Amsterdam Musical Union for over 54 years. He served as Treasurer and President of the Union's Board of Directors. His accomplishments as President were the establishment of Jazz on Jay Concert series with the City of Schenectady, his composition and negotiations of the first 3-year contract with Proctor's Theatre on pit orchestras and as the negotiator of the Amsterdam Musicians Union # 133 into Local 85. As a talented trumpet and flugelhorn player, he performed with many Capital District Concert Bands, both the Schenectady and Albany Symphony's and with his own Quartet. He was privileged to perform and appear in three movies, including The Way We Were, on TV, radio and on recordings. Ron served his community on the Mohonasen Budget Review Committee, as assistant coach with the Rotterdam Little League and as commissioner and 1st Vice -President of the Rotterdam Pop Warner. He was a life member of Rotterdam Elks Lodge # 2157 and served as Treasurer for over 27 years receiving Emeritus status in 2015. Predeceased by his siblings; Dorothy DeMarco, Thomas, Albert and Louis Pidgeon, Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Anna M. (Fiorini) Pidgeon who he married in October of 1961, his devoted children; Frank J. Pidgeon (Stella) of Rotterdam, Laura C. Lisicki (John) of Cary, NC and Mark A. Pidgeon (Stephanie) of Clifton Park, his 8 cherished grandchildren: Jessica (Randy Griggs), Christina, Brandon and Michael Lisicki; Joey and Rachael Pidgeon; Gianna and Sophia Pidgeon, as well as many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday morning April 20, 2018 at 11:30 am at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 210 Princetown Road, Rotterdam, NY. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the church from 9:30 am to 11:15 am prior to the funeral mass. Entombment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Mausoleum, Niskayuna, NY with Military Honors. Contributions may be made in Ronald's memory to the American Heart Association, 4 Atrium Dr. #100, Albany, NY 12205 or to Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. The family would like to personally thank Drs.Valkner and Schumaker and the entire ICU staff at Ellis hospital. To leave a message or a condolence for Ron's family please visit www.bondfuneralhome.com