Obituary of Ronald L. Woodward, Sr.

Former City of Fulton Mayor, Ronald L. Woodward, Sr. passed away Thursday, February 11, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 8, 1949 in Fulton to Gordon and Lillian Woodward, Sr. and was a graduate of G. Ray Bodley High School in 1967. Ron was employed with Black Clawson starting in their blue print department and eventually transitioning into their machine shop where he became a Journeyman Machinist. Ron later went to work at Fulton Tool & Die where he became the supervisor in their prototype department. He was employed for several years with the Nestle Company initially as the water treatment plant operator and later as the Maintenance Supervisor. Ron was one of the last employees at the plant until their closing in 2003. Ron also worked for many years as an auditor with the Fulton City School District. Ron had a passion for the City of Fulton and its residents to make it a better place to live and raise a family. His political career began as a member of the City of Fulton Common Council from 1982 until 1985. He was then elected the Mayor of the City of Fulton and sworn into office on January 1, 1986 and held that position until December 31, 1987 when he left office due to health issues. In 1996, Ron was once again elected to the City of Fulton Common Council and remained until 2003. In 2004, he served the city as the Executive Assistant to the Mayor until 2007. Ron was elected the Mayor of Fulton again in 2008 and held office until 2019. Ron was a member of the housing authority and code enforcement with the City of Fulton. In addition to his political activities, Ron volunteered with the Cub Scouts, the Salvation Army- where he was a “Bell Ringer” during the holidays, helped in the soup kitchen at the State Street United Methodist Church and was a guest speaker at many community functions including Veteran’s Day, B.P.O.E. Flag Day and at educational and sporting events. Ron was selected as an “Outstanding Young Man of America” in 1984 for his excellence in professional endeavors and civic activities. Ron is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gayle; his children, Rhonda Lilly of Oswego, Ronald (Joyce) Woodward, Jr. of Fulton and Ryan Woodward of Fulton; two brothers, Gordon (Linda) Woodward and Charles Woodward both of Fulton; nine grandchildren, Blair, Siera, Ronald, Stevie, Taylor, Ryan Jr., Camrin, Kyan and Jayden; six great grandchildren, Izaah, Jeremiah, Dominic, Cayden, Madisyn and William as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family. Graveside services will be held 2 p.m., Friday, May 14, 2021 in Section 27 of Mount Adnah Cemetery in Fulton. Calling hours were held from 12 to 2 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, February 15, 2021 at Brown Funeral Home, 21 Flood Drive in Fulton. Funeral services wwere private. Contributions in memory of Mayor Woodward may be made to the American Cancer Society at donate3.cancer.org or to the Salvation Army, 62 South First St., Fulton, NY 13069. To leave a message of sympathy for the Woodward family, please visit www.brownfuneralhomefulton.com