Ronald E. Tomasetti

Ronald E. Tomasetti, 79, of Elizabethtown, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Oak Hill Village, Middletown. Born Thursday, June 22, 1944 in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late William Tomasetti and Miriam (Willey) Place. He was married 39 years to Kathy J. (Smeal) Tomasetti.

Ron was a 1962 graduate of South Hills High School in Pittsburgh. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army. He completed his basic training at Ft. Ord, then went to Ft. Benning for Jump School. Ron was assigned to the 101st Airborne and was given the assignment of driver and personal aid to the battalion commander. During his tour of Vietnam, Ron sustained a mortal injury that shortened his deployment time. He received two Purple Hearts. After his military service, Ron earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State University in 1971.

As a member of the Red Rose Honor Guard, Ron participated in numerous military services for veterans. Until his accident, Ron loved various types of hunting, including: deer, small game and turkey hunting, taking multiple trips to Wyoming, North Dakota and Canada. He also worked as a deputy with the Pennsylvania Game Commission for several years and taught hunter safety classes for 50 years. The last class he taught was in March of this year.

Ron placed a high priority on providing for his family. He instilled a fierce loyalty for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins and patriotism to our country. He loved God, served in church and lead Bible studies at the nursing home where he resided. Ron found comfort in the verse Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Surviving in addition to his wife Kathy are three children: Dr. Adam R. Tomasetti and wife Emily of Camp Hill; Liz K. Johnston and husband Andy of Norwalk, OH and MAJ Jeremiah E. Tomasetti of Jacksonville, FL; eight grandchildren: Anna, Aryn Joy, Alice, Owen, Ethan, Jack, Titus and Clara; and a sister Gayle Knoll of Pittsburgh. He was predeceased by a son Bryan.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Lebanon Valley Bible Church, 1482 Horseshoe Pike, Lebanon, PA 17042 at 6:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation with family from 4:00-6:00 PM. Light refreshments will follow the service. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard at www.rrveteranshg.org.