Ronald James Nash, 79, formerly of Massena

MASSENA - To all our family and friends, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Ronald James Nash on the evening of May 26, 2025, in The Villages, Florida, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s dementia. He was surrounded in his final moments by his loving family, just as he lived his life with love and grace.

Ron was born on October 2, 1945, in Canton, NY to Charlotte Ester Moore Nash and James Howard Nash.

He graduated from Massena Central High School in 1963 and proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967, finishing his service in Vandenberg, California, where he earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal achieving the rank of Airman First Class.

After his military service, Ron continued his education and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY (State University of NY) Potsdam in 1973.

He began his professional career in accounting at General Motors, later dedicating over 30 years to ALCOA (Aluminum Company of America) where he held various management positions with dedication and pride.

Ron married the love of his life, Linda Lee Hand, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Massena, NY. Together they built a life grounded in family, community, and adventure.

He was a devoted husband and a proud father to Timothy James Nash and Courtney Erin Nash Sarajian, and a beloved grandfather to Logan Taylor Sarajian, Carolina Nash Sarajian and Leighton Ansley Sarajian.

Ron was civic-minded, enthusiastic about politics and deeply committed to making a positive impact on his community. His campaign slogan read, “Willingness To Listen, And A Commitment To Our Community.”

He served in local politics as a Board Trustee for the Village of Massena, President of the Massena Republican Committee and was active in the St. Lawrence County Republican Party.

He was a proud member of the Massena Elks Club, Golden K Kiwanis Club, Massena Rod and Gun Club, Moose Lodge, and a longtime supporter of the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY.

From his early years, Ron enjoyed the excitement and exhilaration fueled by high-speed experiences, including skydiving, bungee jumping, snow and water skiing and motorcycle adventures.

Ron was an avid aviation enthusiast who fulfilled a life-long dream earning his private pilot license after retirement.

He loved being on the water, especially the St. Lawrence River, where he enjoyed summer celebrations boating or residing at the cottage on Wilson Hill full of joyful moments with family and friends.

Ron shared his love for craftsmanship and wooden boats with his children bringing them to the annual antique boat show in Clayton, NY.

Ron was an artist and craftsman. He built his family home, restored antique sports cars, loved woodworking, and was a talented painter.

With the help of a dear friend, Billy Spagnola, he handcrafted a cedar strip canoe blending his love of boating and woodworking.

Ron was a man of many passions, driven by adventure and travel, however, his greatest personal happiness resulted from being surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Barbeques, fireworks, and games on the beach fostered smiles, giggles, and hugs providing fuel for happiness. He never missed help with homework, a school play, a sporting event, or an opportunity to teach a life lesson. He was a constant presence, a kind, fun loving, compassionate man who gave his heart deeply to those he loved.

Ron is survived by his wife, Linda Nash, son Tim Nash, daughter Courtney Sarajian and her husband Mark Sarajian; his grandchildren Logan Sarajian, Carolina Sarajian, and Leighton Sarajian.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Charlotte and James Nash, his sister, Gloria Nash Jones and brother-in-law, William Jones.

Ron was a man who absolutely loved life and all the adventures it offered. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, laughter, and love – a life well lived and deeply treasured. He will be profoundly missed.

Funeral services will be held on September 8, 2025, at 11:00am, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 521 James Street, Clayton, NY.

A celebration of Ron’s life will follow the services at the Antique Boat Museum, 750 Mary Street, Clayton, NY, from 12:00pm to 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Ron’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or 800-272-3900 or to the Antique Boat Museum, 750 Mary Street, Clayton, NY 13624, 315-686-4104 or at www.abm.org.

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