Ronald Eugene Lohrman of Pittsford, passed away suddenly on September 21, 2023.
Ron was born on October 7, 1941, in Rochester, the son of Eugene and Teresa Lohrman. Ron graduated from Edison Tech in 1959 and went on to study at Clarkson University graduating with a degree in Engineering. He also served his country for two years as a member of the United States Army. Ron was employed as an engineer at Eastman Kodak for twenty-five years. In 1989, he turned his passion for chess into a career as the proprietor of the Rochester Chess Center, a position that he held until his untimely passing.
Throughout his life, Ron was heavily involved in numerous athletic interests and pursuits. He was an avid cyclist who continued to ride through the final days of his life. He medaled in cycling in the Empire State Games and competed and won several endurance events. Ron was one of the founding members of the learn to skate program for Rochester Youth Hockey providing an opportunity for children of all ages to experience hockey. He played competitive chess throughout his life and was the 1967 United States Amatuer Chess Champion. Through his summer camps and local school related events, he taught chess to students from across the greater Rochester area. He was inducted into the New York State Chess Association Hall of Fame in 1995. Ron loved playing softball and was inducted into the Rochester Softball Hall of Fame in 2019. He played regularly at McAvoy Park and traveled across the northeast participating in numerous tournaments and enjoyed the camaraderie of the teams he played for.
Ron thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his beloved family. He greatly valued and appreciated working at the Rochester Chess Center with his son Shelby. Many laughs and smiles were shared with his grandsons Ryan and Drew. Whenever he had a chance, grandpa was always eager to go watch a sporting event or participate in a family competition.
Ron is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Katherine, daughter Nicole Knowles (husband Rob), son Shelby, grandsons Ryan and Drew Knowles, brother Fred (wife Karen), sisters Bunny Parent (husband Dan) and Karen Rogers (husband Steve), brother-in-law Dale Merz, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ron was predeceased by his parents and his sister Mary Merz.
We will remember Ron for his competitive spirit and for the genuine nature that he shared with all who entered his life. His commitment to family, friends and community will be greatly missed.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 29th from 3:00-7:00pm at the Willard H. Scott Funeral Home in Webster. A brief service will follow at the funeral home at 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron’s memory may be made to the Rochester Chess Center to help establish the Ron Lohrman Memorial Chess Tournament.
The games played this Wednesday night on Sept 27th with the Community Chess Club of Rochester will be dedicated in memory of Ron.
