Obituary of Ronald Payne

Ronald "Red" Payne, 67, of Jamestown, NY, passed away September 15, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones after a long battle with lung cancer. Red was born June 27, 1956, to the late Roger and Louise Friberg Payne. He grew up in a loving family with his older brother Michael (Debbie) Payne of Summerville, SC; two younger sisters Holly Payne of Pittsfield, PA, and Lorri (Gary) Mabee of Frewsburg, NY, and younger brother Jamie (Jessica) Payne of Litchfield, ME. Red enjoyed hunting and camping, as well as spending time with his cousins. Red attended Maple Grove Jr/Sr High School where he loved playing in the high school band. Upon graduation in 1975, he joined the US Army. After returning from his service, Red reconnected with many friends, one of which became the love of his life and wife of 44 years, Genevieve Fitzgerald Payne. They married on August 31, 1979; he became a huge part of the Fitzgerald family of Bemus Point, NY. Red was a dedicated and loving father to four wonderful, caring children; Rachael Stell Griffin of Rochester, NY; Roger (Jennifer) Payne of Arkport, NY; James (Amber) Payne of Bemus Point, NY; Monica (Matthew) Beardsley of Jamestown, NY. Red was extremely proud to be known as Poppy by his grandchildren: Julia, Brandon, Reese, Abbey, Ava, Jacey, Chava, Kayne, Hunter, and Kiley. He was also survived by several nieces and nephews and had a special connection with his great nephew Zayden. During Red's life he enjoyed working at Crawford Furniture, Quality/Tops Markets, DeerWorks, Valu- Home Center and ProHardware during which time he became close friends with several co-workers and customers. Red was a member of the NY Army National Guard and retired with 23 years of military service. During his service, Red assisted in a variety of events; some of his proudest accomplishments were assisting during the 1998 Ice Storm and World Trade Center attacks on 9/11. Red loved making everyone laugh and made friends everywhere he went. These friendships were formed through interacting with others from his front porch or frequenting his favorite local watering holes and restaurants. Red's love of his country initiated several road trips across the US and his annual trip to Watkins Glen for the NASCAR race. He was best known for his beard and mustache which gave him the "Santa Claus" look. Red loved being Santa's helper at many local places in the area and for friends and family. Friends and family will be received at Lind's Funeral Home Thursday, September 21 from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm. A mass of Catholic burial will be held at St. John's Roman Catholic Church on Friday, September 22 at 10 am followed by a celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, Red requested donations be made to either St. Jude's Children's Hospital, to work on finding a cure so no child will ever have to suffer from cancer as he did, or to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, in appreciation for the cheerful, rosy care he received.