Ronald R. Jordan

Ronald R. Jordan, 81, of New Russia, passed away at home with his family by his side on February 22, 2021. He was born on March 11, 1939 at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, New Jersey, the son of Leo T. And Veronica (Mackey) Jordan.

After graduating from Cliffside Park High School, he enlisted and served in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1962, serving onboard the USS Hazelwood (DD-531) as a Sonarman Second Class. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he worked for the Bank of Montreal in its New York City office while attending Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. He moved to Montreal, where he married the former Marilyn F. Simpson in Longueuil, Quebec on August 31, 1963. He was employed by a brokerage firm, Baker Weeks & Company, until 1967.

Ronald and Marilyn moved to New Russia in the summer of 1967, and he became an active member of the community, serving in the Essex County Sheriff’s Office and the Essex County Government. In 1970, he became one of the charter members of the Elizabethtown-Lewis Emergency Squad. He also volunteered on, and served as President of, the Boards of Education of both the Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School District and Champlain Valley Educational Services.

While serving on the two Boards of Education, he became interested in hosting an international exchange student, which was realized in 1992-1993 when Cleméntine Richard, of Voiron, France, came to live with the Jordan family for a year. The family relationship continues to this day and the two families remain in close contact, including the occasional trans-Atlantic visits.

Ron was an avid reader of history and philosophy and, after retiring with 36 years of service in the Essex County Government, his love of travel brought him on numerous trips across the U.S. and Canada and to more than a dozen European countries, particularly to explore his family roots in Ireland. In retirement, he also volunteered his time with the Elizabethtown Community Food Shelf.

He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 57 years, and is also survived by his three children, Jane Hooper (Shawn Michener) of New Russia, Jim (Jodi Plante) of Saratoga Springs and Catherine (Kenneth Crowningshield) of Plattsburgh; two grandchildren, Jackson and Julia Hooper and his step-granddaughter, Brooke Crowningshield. He is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his younger sister Lodema.

A celebration of his life is planned for late spring 2021, at the Essex County Veterans’ Cemetery in Wadhams.

Donations in his memory may be made to the to the Elizabethtown-Lewis Emergency Squad, to High Peaks Hospice, or to the North Country SPCA.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Heald Funeral Home, 7521 Court Street, Elizabethtown. To light a memorial candle or offer an online condolence, please visit healdfuneralhomeinc.com.