ILION-UTICA - Ronald "Ron" D. Abeling, age 71, of Utica, formerly of Ilion, passed away peacefully and went home to Jesus on Saturday, May 23, 2015, after a long illness. He was born on June 6, 1943, in Ilion, the son of Inman and Florence (Moore) Abeling, and graduated from Ilion High School in 1962. On September 18, 1969, he was married to Ruth Angle in Ilion. She died on August 7, 1999. He later married Zoraida Garcia in Utica. Ron was employed as a machinist at Remington Arms Co., Ilion, for twenty-seven years, retiring in 1989. He was a former member of the Ilion Elks Lodge #1444. Surviving family members include his wife, Zoraida; his sons and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Jacky Abeling, of Ilion, and Roy Abeling; three sisters and brothers-in law, Karen and Thomas Cooper, of Savannah, GA, Janice and James Hall, of Lawton, OK, and Beverly and Jim Hutchinson, of Scio, NY; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife; his parents; his brothers, Roy Abeling and Dennis Abeling; and his sister, Thelma Saj. Funeral services will be held 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home's newly reopened home at 102 West St., Ilion, with Pastor Gregory Smellie officiating. Calling hours are Tuesday, May 26, 2015, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. prior to the funeral home service at 102 West St., Ilion. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Ron, or add to his online memorial, may go to: www.applegateandday.com In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Ron's church, that he was so devoted to for many years, First Apostolic Church, 320 Oriskany Blvd., Whitesboro, NY 13492. Envelopes are also available at the funeral home. Ron's service arrangements are entrusted to his long time friend and Funeral Director, Don Applegate.