Obituary of John G. Ringrose

Hon. John G. Ringrose, age 79, retired Oneida County Surrogate Judge, passed away peacefully May 11, 2015, at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center, with his loving family at his side. Judge Ringrose served as Oneida County Surrogate Court Judge since January 1, 1980, having been elected in November of 1979, and re-elected in 1989 and 1999. He also served as an Acting Justice of the Supreme Court. John was born September 11, 1935, in Rome, the son of the late E. Howard and Millicent Zimmer Ringrose. He graduated from Rome Free Academy, Syracuse University and received his law degree in 1960 from Syracuse University School of Law. He followed in the footsteps of his father who also was Oneida County Surrogate. Prior to becoming Surrogate, he was an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Rome and a partner in the law firm of Cook and Ringrose. He had been active in community organizations; was an Oneida County Legislator (1968-1973) and a former Chair of the Oneida County Republican Committee (1972-1974). The Judge was an active member and past President of the Surrogate's Association of the State of New York. John retired from the bench in 2005, and enjoyed spending time with his family at their cottage on the Saint Lawrence River. John is survived by his wife, Darlene Carley Ringrose; children and spouses, Karen DeMartino of Syracuse, Michael J. and Cindy Ringrose of Rochester, Barbara Perry of Charlottesville, VA, and P. J. Caliguire of Herkimer; and grandchildren, Joe, Liz, Ian, Megan, Nicole and Michael. He was predeceased by a son-in-law, Stephen Perry. The family wishes to sincerely thank the staff of Faxton-St Luke's Healthcare Center for their care and compassion extended to John during her illness. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 2:00 PM at St. Paul's Church, with Rev. Robert L. Kelly, officiating. Relatives and friends may call at the Barry Funeral home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Thursday from 4 to 7 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rome Humane Society.