Ronald G. Wierzbicki

Mr. Ronald G. Wierzbicki, Controller of the City of Amsterdam, died Friday, December 28, 2012 after a brief illness. A resident of Stewart Street in Amsterdam, he was seventy-five years old. A lifelong city resident, Ron was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1937, the son of the late Michael and Irene Zarecki Wierzbicki. He was a graduate of St. Mary's Institute and furthered his education at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, where he received his degree in business in 1973. Ron was employed for over 30 years as an Accountant and Auditor with several New York State agencies. Ron enjoyed history, reading and doing crossword puzzles. His passion in life was traveling. Ron enjoyed traveling to exotic destinations all over the world including the Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal and a 40 day tour of the United States. A man committed to his country and city, Ron served in the United States Army until he was honorably discharged. He was a member of the American Legion Post 701, PNA and the PAV. A prominent member of the B.P.O.E. Lodge No. 101 he served as Past Exalted Ruler, Past State Vice President and Past New York State Tiler. In addition he held many elected positions and served on numerous state and district committees. In November of 2011 he made a successful run for City Controller and held the position at the time of his passing. He truly enjoyed the position and consistently tried to do the right thing for the residents of the City of Amsterdam. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Jean E. Sluzas Grippi Wierzbicki; 10 combined children who he raised as his own: Gretchen George Riley of Lansingburgh, Gerard Nellie Wierzbicki of Albany, Gail Donald Riley of Albany, Karin John Thomas of Colorado, Michael Wierzbicki and Eric Wierzbicki both of Albany; Mark Grippi of California, Liese Leone of Nevada, Steven Kristie Grippi of California and Cindy Grippi of Nevada. Additional survivors include 11 grandchildren; 2 great- grandchildren; 2 brothers; 1 sister; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 11 o'clock at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, New York with the Rev. John Medwid as celebrant. Interment will be private at a later date in St. John's Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Friday, January 4, 2013 from 4 until 7 p.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, New York. Members of the American Legion will meet at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Esteemed members of the B.P.O.E. are asked to gather at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home to honor their brother. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Elks National Foundation, 2750 N. Lakeview Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60614-2256 or to St. Mary's Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, New York 12010.