ILION - Ronald E Sterling, 67, of Ilion, NY, passed away peacefully, Friday, February 26, 2016 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica, NY, with his family by his side. Ron was born on October 7, 1948, in Ilion, the son of late Gerald and Betty (Binney) Sterling and graduated from Ilion High School in 1967. He was one of 11 children. On October 6, 1973, he was united in marriage to Debbie (Travis) Sterling, in the town of German Flats. They shared a devoted union of 42 years. Ron was a proud veteran serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. He retired from the Evening Telegram as the Circulation Manager. He was also an Ilion Police Officer, Owner of Sterlings Pic-N-Pay, part owner of Sterlings Market, Foreman for Academy Paving Road Construction and worked part time as a Fed-Ex driver. Ron’s Legacy will be known best for the Holly Days Christmas For Children, Inc., program. His greatest passion was to make sure that every child had a Merry Christmas. This program was near and dear to his heart. Ron’s heart and soul were found in his grandchildren. He loved spending time with them whenever possible. He will be greatly missed by Cayla, Carter, Mika, Jack, Derek, Ryan and Kyle. He will forever be known as “POD”. He was an active member of The Rotary Club, American Legion Post 38, Administrator of the Ilion Moose Lodge 1010, and one of the original members of the MCL. Ron also helped orchestrate the annual Veteran’s Appreciation Day. Over the years, he has received several local and state awards. Survivors include his beloved wife, Debbie; his Son and Daughter-in-Law, Tony and Hope Sterling of Ilion,NY, his Daughter and Son-in-Law, Kimberly and Robert Pierce of Ilion, NY, his Daughter and Son-in-Law, Kelly and Michael Caporale of Ilion, NY, 7 Grandchildren, 5 Brothers Donald “Donnie” and Patti Sterling of Ilion, Arthur “Ozzie” and Mary Sterling of Ilion, Jack and MJ Sterling of Herkimer, Lee H (Peanut) and Betty Sterling of Ilion, Gerald “Jerry” and Sherry Sterling of Arizona; 2 Sisters, Lillian “Penny” and Claude Nelon of West Virginia and Geraldine “Cheeko” and David “Big D” Pettengill of Ilion; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his 3 Sisters, Dorothy “Dody” Hotaling, Christine “Chris” Champion and Catherine “Katy” Trask. The family would like to thank the nursing staff of the CT-ICU at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their compassion and patience shown during this trying time. We would also like to thank the entire community for their outpouring of well wishes and support. As per Ron’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service or calling hours. A Celebration of his Life will be held at the Ilion Moose Lodge on Sunday, March 6, 2016 beginning at 2pm. Memorial Contributions may be made to; Holly Days Christmas For Children, Inc. PO Box 207, Ilion, NY 13357. Envelopes will also be available at his Celebration at the Ilion Moose Lodge, 302 Barringer Rd. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to family friends Harry J. and Kevin Enea, Funeral Directors of the Enea Family Funeral Home 4309 Acme Road (Town of Frankfort) Ilion, NY (315)-894-8000. To share a memory or send condolences, go to www.eneafuneralhomes.com.