Ronald D. Nicholson

Boonville - Ronald Douglas Nicholson, Sr., 61, of Thornton Avenue, affectionately known as Oil Can, passed away suddenly on Monday, July 13, 2009 at Oneida Health Care Center as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Ronnie was born in Canastota on August 7, 1947, to Brady Brooke and Irene Agnes Wakely Nicholson. He attended local schools, and later received his GED while serving his country in the U.S. Navy during the Viet Nam War. A natural-born mechanic - thus his nickname - he was employed at service stations throughout central and upstate New York. More recently he was a bartender at the former Forestport Hotel and Scooters in Forestport. At the present time he was employed by Birnie Bus Company of Rome as a bus driver. Oil Can greatly enjoyed riding his Harley, and loved the kids that he transported while driving bus. He is survived by five daughters, Nancy Payne of Searcy, AR, Tammy Watson and her husband, Brett, of Hamilton, Patty Wallis and her husband, Jerry, of Verona, Rhonda Nicholson of Powder Spring, GA, and Tina Phillips of Forestport; a son, Ronald, Jr., of Verona; eighteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; four sisters, Janet Ellsworth of Canastota, Kathie McCann of Fabius, Sandie Cary and her husband, Rob, of Canastota, and Phyllis Becraft and her husband, Dennis, of Rome; a brother, James, of Utica; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a grandson, Dylon Brady Nicholson, on February 21, 1994. Oil Can is also survived by his companion, Joyce Anna, of Boonville. His funeral service will be Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler Street, Boonville, where the Reverend Sean Patrick O¿Brien will officiate. Interment will follow in Beechwood Cemetery, Forestport. Calling hours at the funeral home are Thursday from 3-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the National SIDS Association.