For Immediate Release: 09/20/2022  
Contact: Office of Media Relations and Communications | (518) 471-5300 | public.info@thruway.ny.gov 

THRUWAY AUTHORITY DEDICATES AND UNVEILS MEMORIAL HONORING FALLEN THRUWAY EMPLOYEE RON DEMING

Deming was killed on October 28, 2016 while working on the Thruway

New Memorial at Indian Castle Service Area Serves as a Reminder to Motorists the Importance of the State’s Move Over Law

Pictures of the Dedication Can Be Downloaded HERE

The New York State Thruway Authority along with Sally Deming today dedicated and unveiled a new memorial honoring the life of Ron Deming, a 20-year veteran of the Thruway’s Herkimer Maintenance Section. Deming was fatally struck on October 28, 2016 by a vehicle while assisting in the recovery of a passenger car along the shoulder of the Thruway (I-90) in Herkimer County.

Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll joined Ron’s widow, Sally Deming, as well as members of the Thruway’s Syracuse Maintenance Division and Herkimer Maintenance Section for the unveiling.

“Ron Deming was a dedicated co-worker, husband, father, son, and friend who was a valued member of the Thruway Authority and the community, who lost his life while simply doing his job,” Executive Director Driscoll said. “I would like to personally thank Sally for her devotion to spreading awareness for the Move Over Law and work zone safety in the hopes that other families won’t ever have to go through what her family has endured.”

Nearly six years after Ron’s death, Sally Deming continues to be outspoken about the importance of the Move Over Law and the impacts work zone incidents can have on workers' families. She was the principal advocate for installing the memorial signs at the Indian Castle and Iroquois* service areas.

Sally Deming said, “Ron never got to meet his grandchild or enjoy retirement with his family. I am thankful for this new memorial, and it is a reminder that all roadside workers want to go home to their families each night. Sadly, not all have been so fortunate.”

Since her husband’s death, Sally has appeared in Thruway PSAs, at numerous Thruway work zone events, and at the unveiling of the Highway Workers Memorial at the New York State Fair.

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*Memorial at Iroquois Service Area will be installed following the completion of the new facility.