Ronald K. LaVerde, Sr., 70

of 241 Madison Ave., Hornell

  passed away peacefully Saturday morning (Feb. 11, 2012) at his home.

  Born in Hornell on July 19, 1941, he was a son of the late Robert and Naomi Jackson LaVerde.  On Feb. 11, 1983 he was married in Hornell to the former JoAnn Caruso, who survives.

  A lifelong resident of Hornell, Ron was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1959 and proudly served his country with the U.S. Army in Germany.

  For 30 years he was employed at SKF Industries in Hornell and retired after being the park manager for 15 years at Edgeview Estates in Hornell.

  Ron was a member of the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post, No. 440 in Hornell, the Hornell Rod and Gun Club as well as the Hornell High School Alumni Assoc.

  An avid outdoorsman and nature lover, he enjoyed hunting as well as fishing, especially with his great grandson, Keelan Smith. Because of Ron’s expertise in catching perch he was often called the “Perch Man”.  He was also considered a history buff and spent time reading, mostly about New York state history.  Ron was also well known for building and distributing over 200 bluebird houses throughout Steuben County.

  His family includes his wife of 29 years, JoAnn; his four children, Terri LaVerde of Hornell, Shawn (Bobby Jo) LaVerde of Alfred, Ronald Laverde, Jr. of Hornell and Lynn LaVerde of Hornell; their mother, Rose Sheridan of Hornell; also several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his three sisters, Linda Fucci of Hornell, Audette Lecceardone of Florida and Pamela LaVerde of Hornell; his two brothers, Michael (Kim) LaVerde of Connecticut and Jim LaVerde of Florida; as well as his nieces, nephews and cousins.

  Beside his parents, he was predeceased by his son, James “U.J.” LaVerde;  his two brothers, Robert and Donald LaVerde and his brother-in-law, Michael Fucci.

  Calling hours are from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell. Friends are invited to meet his family at St. Ann’s Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, followed by military honors. Interment will be in Rural Cemetery, Hornell.

  The United States flag and the Army flag will proudly fly at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in recognition of Ron’s service with the U.S. Army.

  In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the American Heart Assoc., P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

  Online condolences or remembrances of Ron are welcomed at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.