MECHANICVILLE - - Bernard R. Ramnes, 85, native and longtime resident of Mechanicville, died peacefully early Tuesday morning surrounded by his loving family. A 1949 graduate of Mechanicville High School, he was born in Mechanicville on January 9, 1932, the son of Ralph and Thelma Waite Ramnes, and husband of the late Madge Harvey Ramnes, who passed in 1999.
Shortly after graduating high school, Bernie joined the US Air Force. He spent 21 years in the service until his honorable discharge in 1971. During his decorated military career, he attained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and was stationed throughout the world. He and his wife Madge were married in 1953, and their children were born in different locations near and abroad. Bernie was a past district commissioner for the Hemstreet Park Fire Department, and a lifetime member of the American Legion.
Upon his retirement from the USAF, Bernie entered the private sector and worked in hydraulics/electronics repair. He and Madge enjoyed traveling the country in their RV. Sons Eric and Andy worked in construction and Bernie would regularly drive to their work site to observe. He also loved driving to his daughter’s horse farm to watch his grandchildren ride and drive their horses. Nothing was more important than his family, and he carefully followed all of his grandchildren’s achievements in academics, sports, and music.

Survivors include his children: daughter Katrina Hiser of Hemstreet Park, sons Jeffrey (Patty) Ramnes and Eric (Carm) Ramnes of Mechanicville, and Andy (Rusty) Ramnes of Ballston Spa; ten grandchildren, Corinne (Chris) Severance, Rebekah (Vincent) Colarossi, Timothy (Danielle) Hiser, Alicia (Warren) Hayashi, and Rachel (Christian) Lenz, Daniel (Kurt Slye) Ramnes and Matthew (Madison) Ramnes, Christina (Brandon) Starks, Nicole (James) Figueroa and Melissa Ramnes; and 24 great-grandchildren. Bernie is also survived by his beloved friend Marilyn Cross of Mechanicville, his cherished sister Barbara Kelly of Ambler, PA, dear cousin Marilyn (Bruce) Laubacher of Marietta, as well as several more cousins, nieces and nephews. Sadly, Bernie was predeceased by his son-in-law Ted Hiser in 2002.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 25 from 12-4PM at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville. A memorial service will immediately follow the calling hours at 4PM. Burial with full military honors will be held on Monday at the Saratoga National Cemetery at 12:00PM and those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the entrance of the cemetery at 11:45AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association, 200 Duell Rd, Schuylerville, NY 12871 in loving memory of Bernard R. Ramnes.

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