RONALD G. WOLK Sr.

RONALD G. WOLK Sr. obituary

RONALD G. WOLK Sr.

RONALD WOLK Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 22, 2016.
WOLK
RONALD G., Sr.
Age 78, of Canfield, OH, formerly of North Canton, OH and McKeesport, PA, on October 19, 2016, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Betty Jane (Stanley) Wolk for 56 years; loving father of Ronald G. (Lisa) Wolk, Jr., Cynthia L. Wolk (Ron Werner) and Brian J. Wolk; cherished grandfather of Haven and McKenna Wolk. To say that he was an accomplished musician and incredibly successful business professional barely scratches the surface. A founding member of "The Café Boys" Polka band back in the early-mid 50s, Dad fronted the band and played a mean accordion. He had a deep-seated passion for the music and loved playing in the same music community that featured Dick Contino, Johnny Vadnal Orchestra, Sam Pugliano and Frankie Yankovic and His Yanks. We recall many an evening where Dad played his favorite Polkas, Band Marches and other personal favorites as loud as that ol' Magnavox stereo could play them. His passion for music enabled him to fund his education at Carnegie Tech where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree of Science in Electrical Engineering - the first in his family line to do so. He went on to apply his intellect as an Engineer working on the United States government's successful and Top Secret Neutron Bomb development and testing program on Amchitka Island, Alaska. Afterwards the family traveled to South America where Dad led the design and build of multiple large-scale tire manufacturing facilities for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Adventure was Dad's middle name and off we went to Alaska where he helped to design, build and operate the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The Pipeline originates in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska and travels over three mountain ranges while rising to 4,739 feet at Atigun Pass before arriving safely in Valdez, Alaska, 800 miles later. To date the Trans-Alaska Pipeline has transported over 17 billion barrels of oil and is a significant contributor to our nation's energy independence. He always felt it important to share these experiences with family and friends. Dad's real passion was providing for and protecting his family, whom he actively supported in countless ways, including waiting up late for us in "the chair", hiking on glaciers, walking in the woods, playing catch, vacationing, hitting the links, shooting the hoops, treasuring piano recitals, attending various sporting events and generally doing whatever he needed to do to ensure his family was supported, loved and successful. But whatever you did… you better be dressed in black and gold every Sunday in preparation for the weekly beloved Steelers football game. Many a Sunday was filled with Mom's homemade spaghetti and meatballs, incredible conversation, shouts, celebratory dances and mad terrible towel waving. It was a blessing to watch Dad celebrate multiple Steeler Super Bowl victories in the 70s and a few more since. His love, passion and presence will be deeply missed. Travel safely Dad, we will meet again in Heaven someday where every Sunday is Steelers Country Sunday! Family and friends received on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the WARCHOL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville (412-221-3333), where a service will be held on Monday at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org. View and share condolences at:
warcholfuneralhome.com

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November 15, 2016

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November 4, 2016

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October 23, 2016

Amy Banko posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

November 15, 2016

Don't know what caused me to think about Ron today, but for some reason I did an online search and sadly find that he has left us. We grew up together in the Christy Park section of McKeesport, were in the same class from grade school through high school. He appeared more than once on the Wilkins Amateur Hour playing his accordion during those wonderful 50's. I lost touch after his freshman year at CMU while I studied at WVU. A really good guy that will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Marvin Chidester Pgh.,PA.

Mel Jessee

November 4, 2016

I worked with Ron at ALyeska Pipeline Service Company in Alaska and always appreciated his energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism. Interestingly, just a couple of weeks ago my youngest son, who is a sophomore in HS, was talking with me about nuclear bombs, as they were studying the topic in school. I asked if he knew about the Amchitka testing that was done in Alaska in the early 70's. He said he did, so I shared with him that I had worked with a man (Ron Wolk) who worked on the testing and was on the island during the testing. That he was responsible for the monitoring devices that were installed all over the island to measure the effects of the explosion. As I told my son, I could see Ron in my mind telling the stories about the Amchitka testing. Ron was a very good story teller, and was very proud of the important role he played. Ron was also very proud to work on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS)...

When I shared Ron's obituary with my son, we both got chills when we realized that I had shared the story right around the time Ron left us in mid-October. It was as if Ron had shared one last story before leaving

Thanks for sharing another one of your stories Ron, and thanks for all you did for TAPS. May god bless you and keep you

Amy Banko

October 23, 2016

I wanted to extend my deepest sympathies to your entire family. I was one of the nurses that had the privilege to care for Mr. Wolk during his final hours. Truly a beautiful family and so much love was felt in that room and I will always remember that. Keeping you all in my prayers.

Maribeth "Betsy" Monyok Savu

October 23, 2016

With deepest sympathy to you and your family Ron, an old friend from CMU...

Kimberly miller

October 22, 2016

Cindy,
My heart goes out to you, your mom, brothers & family.
Hugs!
Kimberly

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Warchol Funeral Home Inc

3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017

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Sign RONALD WOLK's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 15, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

November 4, 2016

Mel Jessee posted to the memorial.

October 23, 2016

Amy Banko posted to the memorial.