Ronald L. Bartlebaugh, 79, of Penn Run, PA passed peacefully at home from the side of his beloved wife into renewed life everlasting on July 4, 2024.
He was born on May 24, 1945 to Theodore R. and Hazel S. (Smith) Bartlebaugh of Clymer, PA.
Ron attended the Bible Baptist Church in Clymer, PA.
He had one brother, “Fred,” who preceded him in death in 2023.
Ron is survived by his devoted wife of forty-five years, Pam (Peiffer) Bartlebaugh; mother-in-law, Norma J. Peiffer and sister-in-law, Linda Peiffer, both of Indiana, PA; niece Wendy Swortchek and nephews, Ted and Joel Bartlebaugh, all of Ohio.
After graduating from Penns Manor High School in 1963, he worked for Westinghouse in Ohio earning his college tuition.
Ron graduated from Murray State University, Kentucky in 1968 working for Penn DOT between semesters.
Ron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1968 upon graduating from college. He served two years during the Vietnam War stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA.
He returned to PA, after the death of his father in 1970, helping to operate the family service station in Clymer, which was known for coal weighing and selling penny candy.
Ron was employed at I.U.P. in administration for fifteen years as assistant director and then as Director of Personnel.
He joined the U.S. Army Reserves during this time and retired from the military in 2005.
When the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) began field operations, he accepted the positions of managing first the Seneca, and then the Pittsburgh, field offices. Ron advanced to Harrisburg as Chief of Field Services. He retired as Director of Research and Development from SERS in 2007.
Ron was recognized by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as “a leader, an innovator, a friend to many [having] never once been ordinary [and honored as] one of Pennsylvania’s most outstanding public servants.”
Since retirement, with great faith, Ron overcame the many challenges of Parkinson’s Disease, as well as various cancer treatments.
Ron enjoyed his work, travel, sports, hiking through Yellow Creek State Park, good food and conversation.
He, along with Pam, had many great vacations throughout the U.S., including Hawaii, on Caribbean cruises and in Europe.
Thanks be to God for providing him with a loving family, good friends, compassionate doctors and caring nurses. God bless them all.
In lieu of flowers, keep your faith in God and be kind to one another.
A private burial with Pastor Jim Smith and the observance of military honors will be held at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA.
Arrangements are with the assistance of the Rairigh Funeral Home, Ltd. Visit www.rairighfh.com to sign Ron’s guestbook and share a memory or message.