Obituary of Philip N. Ransom

Philip N. Ransom, a highly skilled Crane Operator and 56 year member and trustee of the Operating Engineers, IUOE Local 17, died Monday, March 1, 2010 at the home of his daughter in Syracuse, NY after a year long illness. He was 74, born in Jamestown on April 29, 1935. Mr. Ransom worked in various capacities in the construction trade--- most notably - helping to set the steel for the Washington St. Bridge and moving the statue of Governor Fenton to its present position beside the Fenton Mansion. He drove pilings for the Chautauqua Lake Bridge, and then traveled the Great Lakes & east coast as an Equipment Superintendent for Peter Kiewitt & Sons. After retirement he was asked to work as a crane operator every summer through 2008. A lifelong resident of Ashville, NY, Phil graduated from Panama Central School where he was later involved in the PCS Alumni Association. Like his father and brother before him, Mr. Ransom was president of the Grant Cemetery Association. He was a member of the Watts Flats United Methodist Church & took care of the grounds for many years. Phil will be remembered as a giving man who was always there to lend a hand and had the innate ability to fix anything and everything. At one time he was in the excavation business with his father & brother, "Ransom & Sons". He was a member of AARP, the Lakewood Rod & Gun and a former member of the Vikings. Philip will be greatly missed by his wife of 55 years, the former Norma Williams, two daughters, Vicki (Jim) Smith of Syracuse, Julie (Ken) Davidson, and a son, Larry (Gina) Ransom of Lockport.. He is also survived by 10 Grandchildren, , Ben (Amanda Johannson) Smith of Rochester, Nathan Smith of Chicago, Abigail Smith, Syracuse. Seth (Christine) Weise, of Virginia, Cora (Rob)Young, North Carolina ,Olivia & John Davidson of Lockport ,Amanda (Bob) Prell of E. Aurora, 4 Great Grandchildren, Haylie, Wesley and Madelyn Young, Ryan Pomeroy and Ian Prell. Also several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Lucille Madden Ransom, and his brother Ronald L. Ransom. Services will be held Saturday, March 6th in the Watts Flats United Methodist Church at___________. Visiting hours 2-4 & 7-9 on Friday on Friday, March 5th. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Phil's memory to the Watts Flats United Methodist Church.