Ronald K. Kotz

Ronald K. Kotz, 77, of Camillus, passed away Monday, October 18, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center. Born in Buffalo on Sunday, September 17, 1933, he was the son of William Kotz and Gwendolyn Durham Kotz. He moved to Syracuse in 1963. Ronald was a graduate of LaFayette High School and served on the school newspaper staff. He was later stationed in Germany during the Korean War. In 1991 he retired from Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. after more than 40 years. He was a member of the Pastime Athletic Club, Camillus Elks and the Updowntowners. He was formerly a member of the Camillus Figure Skating Club, former Camillus Youth Hockey coach and member and squash instructor at the YMCA. Ronald was a former YMCA Volunteer of the Year. He enjoyed all racquet sports and was a champion squash player. He played hockey with the Three Speeders and volunteered at the Oktoberfest for the German American Society. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Ronald was predeceased by his second wife; Alice Otto Kotz; third wife, Patricia Nabywaniec Kotz; and sons, Ronald Jeffrey Kotz and Ronald Paul Kotz. Surviving are his daughters and sons-in-law, Valerie and Kurt Kraus and Debbie and Michael McClimans, all of Syracuse; grandchildren, Jeffery, Heather and Tyler Kraus, Hunter and Jarod McClimans; great grandson, Benjamin Kraus, all of Syracuse; aunts, Connie King of Smithfield, Rhode Island and Margaret (George) Kahanick of Scranton, Pennsylvania; and many cousins. Relatives and friends may call Wednesday, October 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Services will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, October 21 at the funeral home with Rev. Michael Grinnals officiating. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Camillus Youth Hockey, P.O. Box 6182, Camillus, NY 13031 or to Y.M.C.A., 340 Montgomery St., Syracuse, NY 13202.