Obituary of Ronald Colgan Powers

Ronald Colgan Powers, age 87, of Rome, passed away peacefully, June 29, 2015, in Rome Memorial Hospital, with his family at his side He was born August 17, 1927, in Pittsfield, MA, a son of the late William J. and Esther Berry Powers. Ronald graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1945, and served proudly in the United States Marine Corps from 1946 to 1948. He later graduated from Hamilton College and Albany Law School in 1954. He was a member of St. Mary's/St. Peter's Parish. Ron served as an attorney for over 55 years and was one of five generations of family attorneys. He formerly served as an investigator for the Oneida County Social Services Department, Treasurer of the Rome Bar Association, and Counsel for the Rome Urban Renewal 1962-63. He later served as Special City Judge and was elected Rome City Judge and served from 1965 -1970. He was a member of the Oneida County and New York State Bar Associations, the Oneida County Magistrates Association and the Association of Trial Lawyers. He also was a member of the Rome Elks, Rome Kiwanis Club and Marine Corps League. Ron is survived by his wife of 24 years, Delia Rush Powers; children, William Powers of Utica, Patricia Ramsdell of Cazenovia, Shannon Clark of Sauquoit, Thomas Powers of Utica and Andrew Powers of Utica; step-children, Christopher Berry of Hardwick, Vt., Kevin Berry of Cleveland, NY, and Kelly Cook of Camden; a sister, Martina and Len Converse of Rome, and a brother in law, Martin Tuttle of Palm Harbor, FL; 8 grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; and 1 step great grandchild. He was predeceased by a sister, Faith Tuttle. A graveside service will be held Tuesday July 7, 2015, at 11:00 AM at St. Peter's Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Rome. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.