Ronald Dion

Ronald Dion, 93, of Cohoes, NY, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025. Born on April 13, 1932, in Cohoes, he was the son of the late Earl and Bernadette Dion. Ron was a proud graduate of LaSalle Institute, Class of 1949, where he excelled on the football field as an outstanding running back. His athletic talent led him to hold the school’s rushing record - a distinction he carried with pride throughout his life. In 1952, Ron married the love of his life, Mary Lou Burke. Together, they shared 64 joyful years of marriage until Mary Lou’s passing in 2016. They raised five children in Waterford, and Ron often said that his greatest legacy was his family. Ron spent much of his career as Vice President and Secretary of Dion Oil Company, Inc., which he operated alongside his brother Earl, until retirement. Outside of work, Ron found peace and happiness on his boat, The Mary Lou, on Lake George, where he made countless cherished memories with family and friends. He also enjoyed traveling, especially to Bermuda, with Mary Lou. Ron was a skilled finish carpenter and took great pride in his craftsmanship. He was also an avid New York Yankees fan and loved hosting clam steams, parties, and gatherings that brought people together with laughter and love. Ron is survived by his children; Thomas (Susan) Dion of Cohoes, Greg (Tami) Dion of Crossville, Tennessee, Dale Dion of Hollywood, Florida, Mary Ann DeMio and Ron’s very devoted son-in-law, John DeMio, of Waterford, and Rodney (Carolyn) Dion of Cohoes. He was a loving grandfather to Chris (Tara) Dion, Ryan (Khora) Dion, Jason (Erin) Dion, Fallon (Joshua) Jennings, Allison Hopeck, Keith (Kayla) Gregory, Tyler Dion, and Reagan Dion. He was also a proud step-grandfather to Justin (Caitlyn) Walls and Jessica Walls, and great-grandfather to 17 great-grandchildren. He leaves behind several nieces and nephews, along with his devoted niece, Colleen Burke. He was predeceased by his brother Earl (Ann) Dion, his sister Dorothy (Larry) Ouimet, and his brother-in-law, Joseph (Betty) Burke. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Shaker Place for their outstanding care, and to Dr. Caufield for his attentive support. They also wish to acknowledge Ron’s very close card-playing buddy, Francis “BoBo” LaPlante, who brought him joy and companionship during countless hours of cards at Shaker Place. Services will be held at Marra Funeral Home, 246 Remsen Street, Cohoes, NY, on Monday, August 11. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 5:30 p.m. Ron’s love for family, the lake, and life itself will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.

Ronald Dion

April 13, 1932 - August 3, 2025