Ronald F. Beary, 97, of Lake Lucy (Tionesta), passed away at his home early Saturday morning, September 21, 2024, while surrounded by his loving family, following a brief illness.
Born July 14, 1927, he was the son of the late Earl Henry Beary and Otillia Wolbert Beary.
He attended St. Michael School in Fryburg. At lunchtime, he would go over the hill behind St. Michaels church to oil the water well. He also remembers ringing the church bell.
Ron and cousin Johnny hitchhiked to Pittsburgh to join the Navy. He served in the Pacific Theatre on the USS Kitkun Bay Escort aircraft carrier. He was awarded the Victory Medal and several theatre ribbons and was honorably discharged as a Seabee, on July 23, 1946.
On June 9, 1948, he married the love of his life, the former Phyllis Geer, who preceded him in death in 2004.
Ron worked for PA Niederriter Lumber Co. He also worked in construction as a home builder and was later employed as a carpenter, retiring from Cook Forest State Park. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and trapper and loved gardening, his flower beds, and working with wood.
Ron was a member of the American Legion, and the Fryburg Sportsman’s Club where he enjoyed Karaoke.
Survivors include his children: Marlene (Dennis) Smerker of Marble, Thomas (June Thorhauer) Beary of Lake Lucy, Linda (Joe) Carulli of Tionesta, Richard (Marian Hargenrader) Beary of Lucinda, and Rhonda (Alan Poyer) Beary of Meadville; grandchildren: Michele (Dan), Craig, Stephani (Dave), Erica, Jeanette (Rod), Joe (Tennille), Nate (Stacey), Garrett (Kaycee), Sara (Bobby), Elizabeth, and Seth (Becca).
Ron is also survived by 23 great-grandchildren: Brandon, Marcus, Zach, Mackenzie, Breanna, Brady, Briana, RyAnn, Abigail, Jory, Cameron, Brooke, Trey, Chase, Austin, Harper, Finley, Dominic, Emalyn, Kyra, Larissa, Lanie, and Lincoln; Six great-great-grandchildren: Bella, Nolen, Evie, Thea, Emma and Dane, and Baby Boy Smerker on the way, and a sister-in-law, Gayle Amann and two brothers-in-law: Richard Hepler and Gerry Geer.
In addition to his wife and parents, Ron was preceded in death by his siblings Gladys (Joe) Schwabenbauer, Earl Francis (Ruthe) Beary, and Patricia Hepler, and two great-grandchildren: Dashon Smerker, and Sierra Janae King.
Per Ron’s request, a private family visitation will be held from 6-8 PM Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at the Faller/Rupert Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 19200 Route 208, Fryburg. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at St. Michael Church, 18765 Route 208. Fryburg. Reverend Michael Polinek, parish priest, will serve as celebrant.
Military honors will be accorded at the graveside in the St. Michael Cemetery, immediately following the burial mass.
A very special Thank you to Ascera Care, Amy, Angie, Kayla, Melissa, Kathy, and caregivers Madeline and Faith for the loving care of Ronald.
Memorial contributions may be given in the name of Ronald F. Beary to The Disabled American Veterans Local Regional Office, VA Regional Office, 1000 Liberty Ave, Rm 1606 Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Online condolences may be sent to Ron’s family at www.fallerfuneralhome.com
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