Ronald D. Larsen, 79, of Schenectady, NY passed away peacefully at home on December 26, 2025 of cancer.

Born in Brooklyn in 1946 to Karl and Thordis Larsen, Ronald attended Morris Hills High School before studying Economics at Upsala College where he met the love of his life, Susan. They were married in 1969 until the day of his passing, 56 years.  He joined the U.S. Army and became a decorated pilot in Vietnam, doing one tour in '71-'72.

After the Army he obtained his Masters degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Hartford. He then moved to upstate NY, joined the National Guard and retired from NY State after 20 years in 2001. He was an avid hockey player, coach and season ticket holder of Union College.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Susie Larsen and his two sons, Andy Larsen of Schenectady, NY and Chris (Diane) Larsen of San Diego, CA and two grandchildren, Kirsten and Thomas as well as his brother Karl Robert (Laureen) Larsen, 82, of Ft Myers, FL.; Sherrill Rutty (Kim} sister-in-law of Sandwich, MA. He is also survived by many nieces/nephews and grandnieces/grandnephews.  He was predeceased by his brother, John Larsen of Boonton, NJ and both of his parents.

Calling Hours will be from 4-7 PM at Gleason Funeral Home, 730 Union St, Schenectady, NY, on Friday, January 2, 2026.  The Funeral Service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 547 Saratoga Rd, Schenectady, NY, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11 AM. Donations to a charity that helps veterans, American Cancer Society, or Cancer Research Institute would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers