Ronald A. Wendel of East Concord, NY passed away on Monday, May 30, 2022 at his residence at the age of 87.
He was born January 14, 1935 in Buffalo, NY a son of the late Nicholas J. and Rose M. (Lubi) Wendel. He was raised in Ebenezer, NY from 1935-1945. On August 15, 1945, the family moved to East Concord where they started the Family Farm. After Rose's death, Wendel's Poultry Farm was formed by Nicholas, Donald and Ronald Wendel. After Nicholas passed away, Ronald and his wife, Mary continued the business with the help and support of their children, Martin, Catherine, David and Susan.
Ron was a graduate of Springville-Griffith Institute and at the age of 18, he worked full-time of the farm.
His Public Service started in 1966, on the Town of Concord Planning Board until 1975. At that time, he was appointed as a Town Assessor to fulfill the term of the late Walter Gutekunst. In 1976, he was elected to two four terms as Assessor. In 1980, he was elected to two four terms as Councilman. In 1986 he was elected to two four year terms as the Town of Concord Supervisor and in 1993 he was appointed as Deputy Commissioner at the Erie County Board of Elections. In 1995 he resigned to return to his beloved, family, friends and the farm. In 1998 he relinquished ownership to his sons, Martin and David but remained as a "good-will ambassador."
Ron was a member of the St. Aloysius Church in Springville. He served as Parish Council President from 1971-1975 and helped form the first St. Aloysius Regional School Board. He later went on to served as a Director on Baker-Victory Services from 2002-2006. He also served many years as an Altar Server for many Parish Funerals.
Ron joined and was a Charter Member of the Knights of Saint John in 1977, as a Sir Knight. Through the years he was promoted through the Ranks to Major, Commander of the Third Battalion of the Buffalo Regiment. In 1998, he received the Fifth Degree (Noble Degree). In 2008, he received the Jewel of Honor and most recently was Colonel.
Ronald is survived by his wife, Mary C. (Wendling) Wendel whom he married on July 21, 1956 at St. John the Baptist Church in Boston, NY; his children: Martin (Burnadette) Wendel, Catherine (David) Miller, David (Denise) Wendel and Susan (Dale) Schwab all of East Concord; also survived by nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and another on the way as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Ron is preceded in death by his brother, Donald J. Wendel.
Friends may call on Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 3-8pm at the Smith-Weismantel Funeral Home, 271 E. Main St., Springville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 3, 2022 at 10:30am at the St. Aloysius Church, 190 Franklin St., Springville, NY 14141 with Rev. Daniel Fawls officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Aloysius Cemetery in Springville.
Memorials may be made to the St. Aloysius Church.