Ronald William Salmonson, 82, passed away early Friday morning (September 25, 2026) at Jones Memorial Hospital with his loving wife and family beside him.
Mr. Salmonson was born on November 28, 1943 in Wellsville to John William and Alice Mae (Olson) Salmonson. He was a 1961 graduate of Wellsville High School. Ron proudly served in the United States Navy from 1962 – 1966. On February 14, 1975, at her parents’ house in Andover, Ron married the love of his life, Raelene D. Lehman, who survives.
Ron’s first job after the separating from the Navy was with Eastman-Kodak in Rochester. After that, he spent nearly 20 years at First Trust Union Bank in Wellsville. He also worked at K-Mart, ARC, and Dresser-Rand in Wellsville. Ron concluded his career with the United States Post Office in Wellsville, serving the community as a rural mail carrier until his retirement.
In addition to his wife of 51 years, Ron is survived by four children: Shelly (Gary) Gates of Newalla, OK, Amy Salmonson of Wellsville, Jason (Jessica) Salmonson of Friendship, and Brian (Debra) Salmonson of Wellsville; three siblings, Linda Saey of Sun City, AZ, Gary (Sharon) Salmonson of St. Cloud, MN, and Marty Salmonson of Phoenix, AZ; ten grandchildren, Robbie (Becky) Leon and April Leon, both of Edmond OK, Gracie (Aric) Jordan of Allegany, Janessa Hirt of Wellsville, Jackson Mascho and Wyatt Salmonson, both of Friendship, Brandon Roulo of Collins, Anthony Button, Noah Salmonson, and Haylie Salmonson all of Wellsville; five great grandchildren, Noah Leon, Brooklynne Leon, Everlee Leon, Easton Jordan, Callan Jordan and one more on the way; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Along with his parents, Ron was predeceased by three in-laws, Gail Salmonson, Bob Saey and Kenny Lehman; his special friend and brother-in-law, Dale Ordiway; and his beloved granddaughter, Mikalah Roulo, affectionately remembered as the family’s “angel.”
Over the years, Ron enjoyed many pastimes, nearly all of which became family activities. One of the most memorable was family bowling night. Everyone participated, and over the years they competed in tournaments, including those held with the Wellsville Moose Lodge. During one of these tournaments, Ron bowled a perfect 300 game and received the prestigious “300 Ring.” Ron was also a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Bills, and he enjoyed sharing his opinions about both.
Ron was also an avid black powder shooter and traveled throughout the region for competitions, with Connecticut being his favorite venue. These events provided another opportunity to take some or all of the family along. He also took great pleasure in golf, fishing, and hunting—activities he especially enjoyed because they gave him another opportunity to spend time with his children and grandchildren.
Being involved in his community meant a great deal to Ron. He was a member of the Scio Fire Department, Wellsville Moose Lodge 601, Wellsville American Legion Post #702, a social member of the Wellsville VFW Post 2530, Ducks Unlimited, and the Wellsville, Whitesville, and Alma Rod and Gun Clubs. He was also a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wellsville. Ron completed training through Race Services, Inc., allowing him to volunteer as a flagman at Watkins Glen International Racetrack, a role he proudly held for 20 years.
Even so, family was always Ron’s priority. He took every opportunity to be with them and support them. He took his family camping, often for a week at a time; attended sporting events; supported their 4-H endeavors; and helped with their fundraisers. When some of his grandchildren needed a “father figure” in their lives, Ron stepped up and filled that role with love and dedication. For Ron and Raelene, it was love at first sight, and she truly cherished the years they shared together.
Ron had a delightful sense of humor, was generous, and was always willing to pitch in and lend a helping hand. He was also “determined” in the truest sense of the word and could be downright contrary when he had made up his mind. One grandchild fondly remembers the remarkable day when Ron finally said, “I guess I was wrong.”
There will be no prior visitation. Ron will be honored by his family at a memorial service at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover, on a date to be announced.
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Ron’s name may be made to Elm Valley 4-H Harvesters, C/O Michelle Erway, 111.5 W Pearl Street, Wellsville, NY 14895—please put “Elm Valley 4-H Harvesters” in the memo line; and Allegany County Cancer Services, Inc., P. O. Box 534, Wellsville NY 14895. © 2026 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
