SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ronald Coltey Bishop, “Pete,” passed away Wednesday, March 19 at Wesley Health Care Center. He was 88.
Born on June 21, 1925 in Hortonville, Hubbardton, Rutland, Vermont, he was the son of the late John Edgar Bishop and Bertha Belle Coltey.
After a childhood in rural Vermont, Ronald entered the U.S. Army to serve in the European Theatre during World War II. Upon returning home after the war, he married Shirley McKirryher on September 7, 1947. Together they raised a family of three children.
Moving to Saratoga Springs in 1949, he began a career in construction. Pete built several homes for his family and homes for his children when they had families of their own. Together with Shirley, he started up Shirley’s Drive-In, Humpty Dumpty Ice Cream, the Yankee Kettle and Mom and Pop’s Country Store.
He had a lifelong love of music and played the fiddle in numerous groups and sponsored Bluegrass Festivals on his farm in Porter Corners.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Shirley, one son, nine brothers and three sisters.
“Pete” is survived by his daughter, Deborah Pixley and her husband Wilbur; two sons, Ronald Bishop and his wife Jean, Lee Bishop and his wife Charlene; seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews who will miss his kind, caring and fun loving spirit.
Graveside services with military honors will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY to be followed by a gathering of family and friends at the Porter Corners Firehouse.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-5353.
Memorials may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
