Ronald Francis Shapley

Ron Shapley was born in Oneonta on November 17, 1947, the fourth of five children born to Kermit and Lillian Shapley.

Ron, a bright but quiet child, attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Oneonta High School. In his senior year he found a voice that would lead to his career. Ron became lead actor playing Tommy in the musical Brigadoon. Ron sang “I’ll Go Home with Bonnie Jean,” and danced a Scottish jig flawlessly.

This success provided Ron with the confidence to look for work in mass media. After attending college for one year, Ron returned to Oneonta to take a talk radio offer from WDOS AM. People in the listening area recall Ron’s smooth voice brightening dark winter mornings. He would also play favorite songs for people he knew.

Ron married and had one child, Andrew (Andy). He also adopted a daughter Genia. They lived in Oneonta for a short time before Ron decided to seek employment in larger radio markets. He worked in Mississippi and Iowa, and later found employment in Fresno, California. He became the voice of the Fresno Bulldogs Football, traveling with the team for years. When the Bulldogs secured a championship, Ron joined them in Hawaii, creating Ron’s finest hour as a sports announcer.

This position lasted until 2007 when the station, like many others, moved to satellite radio. Ron returned to Oneonta to visit with family.

Later he moved to New York City where he worked as an extra in acting jobs. He also enjoyed working part-time for the NY Police Department administration.

Living in the City gave Ron time to spend with his son, Andy and daughter-in-law Jessica, who lived in Croton on the Hudson. Ron was very proud of his grandsons: Andrew and Jessica’s son Drew, a remarkable baseball player; also, Genia’s son, John, for his talented acting and musical ability.

As he aged, Ron’s health faltered, thus he moved back to Oneonta where he lived alone at Nader Towers until his death.

Ron is survived by his son Andy, (Jessica), grandson Drew, 15. Daughter, Genia, grandson John 19, Savannah, GA. Older brother Richard Shapley, (Barbara) Tallahassee, FL, and sister, Mary Budin, (Michael) Mount Vision.

Nieces and Nephews: Michael Shapley, Sidney, Michael Brockway, Utica, Allen Brockway, Oneonta, Jessica Carpenter, (Luis) Oneonta, Noah Budin, Ithaca, Patty Shelton, (Brian) Maui, HI, Rick Shapley, (Michele) Tallahassee, FL, John Shapley, (Ellie) Fayetteville, GA, Chris Bryden, Unadilla, Jeffrey Bryden (Valerie) Walton, Edward Bryden, (Dulcey fiancé), Sidney Center, Antionette Bryden Sullivan, Nassau NY, Sharon Shapley Fisher (Joe) Charleston, SC, Crystal Shapley Lutz, FL.

Ron is predeceased by: Gary Shapley 1987, Lillian Shapley 1996, Kermit Shapley 2001, Elaine Bryden Havener, 2016.

There will be a cremation, and Ron’s ashes will be buried with his parents in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Oneonta. There will be no services, but friends and families are welcome to visit the Shapley's at the graveside.

Donations in Ron's memory can be made to St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut St, Oneonta.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.

Please visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or memory for the family.