The Hopewell community is mourning the loss of longtime volunteer firefighter Ronald “Ronnie” Severino, who passed away on January 2 at the age of 66 after a battle with cancer. A dedicated member of the Hopewell Fire Department for nearly 43 years, Severino’s impact on his colleagues and neighbors was profound.
As a tribute to his service, local fire departments, including Seneca Castle Fire Company, City of Canandaigua Fire Department, Canandaigua Professional Firefighters I.A.F.F. Local 2098, and Canandaigua VAFD, stepped in to cover the Hopewell district while firefighters attended Severino’s services. A reception was held at Hopewell Fire Department’s Station 2 on Routes 5&20 following the funeral.
Beyond his volunteer firefighting, Severino was deeply involved in fire training, serving Ontario County as a Fire Training Aide for 14 years. His commitment to emergency response and firefighter education helped shape future generations of first responders.
Severino spent more than 40 years working at Mobil Chemical Company and Pactiv Corporation in Canandaigua before retiring in 2019. Even in retirement, he remained active, finding joy in maintaining his property and working his land with his beloved Kubota tractor.
An avid outdoorsman, Severino developed a passion for deer hunting at a young age, which remained with him throughout his life. Whether hunting, skeet shooting, or participating in the Mobile Pistol League, he embraced the outdoors with enthusiasm.
Raised in Phelps before settling in Hopewell, Severino was known for his strong work ethic and deep-rooted community ties. He took pride in the friendships he built over a lifetime and cherished time spent with family, friends, and his loyal dogs.
Severino’s funeral Mass was held on February 21 at St. Mary’s Church in Canandaigua, with his final resting place at St. Rose Cemetery in Shortsville. In his memory, the family requested donations be made to the Ontario County Humane Society – Happy Tails or the Hopewell Fire Department.
The Hopewell community, along with his fellow firefighters, will remember Severino as a dedicated first responder, mentor, and friend.
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