Ronald Carl Bess

Ronald Carl Bess “RB” 

Olean - Ronald Carl Bess (RB), of 350 Front Street Apt. 408, passed away Thursday (July 14, 2022) in his home.

Born in Olean on May 23, 1947, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Francis Bess.  RB graduated from Olean High School and attended college at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.  RB served honorably in the United States Army 6th Battalion 52nd Artillery Division during the Vietnam War.  He was married to Nancy Farwell and had two children Richard and Jennifer Bess.  Later, remarried to Sara Acton from 1974 to 1998 with three children Brock, Amber, and Emily Bess.  He is preceded in death by both of his parents, ex-wife Nancy, daughter Jennifer Bess, and two grandsons Caleb and Cooper Bess.  

When RB was younger, he was a Cub and Boy Scout and participated in all Olean community sports leagues.  As a young man he loved baseball and was an avid softball player for many years with Ramble Inn, Capitol Hill, Granny’s Verona, Better Days (in Wellsville, NY) and fast pitch softball with State King, playing in many out-of-town travel tournaments.  RB will be remembered as a very social person and a great storyteller with a touch of sarcasm. He loved the NY Yankees and Buffalo Bills (still waiting for that championship Bills).  RB enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and hanging out with his friends at his local watering holes (Press Box, American Legion, Eagles Club, State King, & the Ramble Inn) and was a member of the American Legion and Eagles Club.  RB was always willing to help out his family & friends when they needed it.  He will be greatly missed.

RB is survived by his children Richard Bess of Bradford, PA, Brock Bess of Bolivar, NY, Amber Brandt of Chantilly, VA, and Emily Larsen of Jacksonville, FL, his brothers Kenny Bess of Sandusky, OH, and David Bess of Olean, NY.  RB has thirteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren as well as multiple cousins, nieces and nephews.   

Friends and family are invited to the American Legion in Bolivar (387 Main Street, Bolivar) for a Celebration of Life ceremony on Saturday (July 30, 2022) from 12-2pm.

Private burial services will be held in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Bolivar.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street, Olean. Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.