HARTWICK – Ronald Walter “Red” Monroe, a long-time resident of Hartwick, passed away early Wednesday morning, February 21, 2024, with his family at his side at A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta. He was 83.
Red, as most people knew him throughout his life, was born August 2, 1940, in Cooperstown, a son of Walter J. and Ernestine Jennie (Tabor) Monroe. As a child, he and his family lived in the Naugatuck and New Haven areas of Connecticut. In 1948, they returned to Hartwick, where in 1952 they built their home on South Street. Red attended school in Hartwick up until the 11th grade, at which time the Hartwick High School closed. He chose to finish his high school career at the Laurens Central School where he enjoyed playing on the basketball and football teams and graduated.
In 1962, Red joined the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, receiving his honorable discharge in 1964.
On May 13, 1970, he married Bonnie Lee Bubnell in Hartwick.
He spent most of his working life as a carpenter and mason, often working on his own, but also for several others at their request. Drives throughout the County and beyond would include pointing out places he helped to build or repair. Later in life, he worked with his son in the firewood business. “Doing firewood” was as much a hobby as it was a job.
An integral part of Hartwick, he served his community since 1992 as a member of the Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 1. He served as a fireman, Safety Officer and Fire Police Captain. He could be found at the Fire Department chicken barbecues and Hartwick Days doing his part to make the day a success – getting the coals ready to cook the chicken or directing traffic. He proudly represented the Department and community marching alongside his fellow firefighters in local parades. He was always quick to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Red was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed going to camp, fishing and hunting with family and friends, and picking berries for jam. He was a collector of “things that could be fixed” and would often be found puttering on these things in the garage. He enjoyed spending time sharing his knowledge with family and friends; anyone who would listen. He had a gift for sharing stories of days gone by - mishaps with his sister and brother, Army life, family events and his work. The banter between him and his siblings revealed his sense of humor and proof that he was a bit of a jokester at times!
His love of the Lord was evident in the manner in which he lived his life – a life of service to his family, church, and community. He attended the Living Water Faith Fellowship where he served in many capacities including being head usher for many years.
Red is survived by his wife, Bonnie L. Monroe of Oneonta; their two sons, Charles “Skeeter” Monroe and Theodore “Ted” Monroe of Hartwick; four grandchildren, Racael Monroe, Kassie Monroe, Cadyee Monroe and Lucas Monroe; two great grandsons, Jordan and Waylon Losee; sister, Shirley M. Monroe of Hartwick; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a beloved “adopted” daughter, Michelle Lynn Morey, who died May 19, 2008, and a brother, Gerald Douglas “Jerry” “Jiggs” Monroe who died May 8, 2022.
Family and friends may call and pay their respects beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon, March 2, 2024, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. A Funeral Service will be offered at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Runcorn from the Living Water Faith Fellowship in Oneonta officiating. Interment will be later this spring in Hartwick Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 1, PO Box 86, Hartwick, NY 13348.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.
