Ronald A. Moreau

Moreau, Ronald A. FLEETWOOD, Pa. Ronald A. Moreau, 65, chief executive officer and president of Can Corporation of America, who believed an honest, strong work ethic, and devotion to family and hockey are the benchmarks by which a life is defined, died peacefully at his home in Fleetwood, with his loving family by his side. Ron lived each day, right until his last, with strength, integrity, ambition and determination unparalleled. He was a devoted husband, father and son-in-law, a loving grandfather, a caring uncle and great-uncle, a dear friend and wise advisor who will never be forgotten. Ron was born in Penetanguishene, Ontario on January 25, 1947, the son of the late Leo Pilon and Eva Marie (Charlebois) Moreau. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) where he received a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and was a member of Chi Phi fraternity. Ron's four years at RPI, playing as a center on the varsity hockey team, became legendary. The team during those years is described as having been inspirational, exciting, talented, and resilient. Ron was a player who possessed a steady, almost palpable will on the ice. His time as an RPI hockey player was something Ron believed changed the course of his life, and something for which he was enternally grateful and proud. From 1973-74, Ron also played as a professional hockey player as a member of the New Jersey Rockets. Ron's sportsmanship and skill on the ice, combined with persistence, passion and drive, gained him a successful corporate career. Until the time of his death, Ron was the president and CEO of Can Corporation of America in Blandon, Pa. Ron strongly believed in the mission, the product and the people of Can Corp., and counted himself among the fortunate to truly love what he did there every day. Ron was the president and CEO of J.L. Clark from 1989 to 1998 before joining Can Corporation of America. He had joined J.L. Clark in 1986 and served as vice president of operation as well as vice president of sales and marketing. In addition to the role of president and CEO of J.L. Clark, Ron served as group vice president for the parent company, Clarcor, whereby he also had double duties as president and CEO of their Precision Products Group for two years, preparing Precision Products for final sale. Prior to J.L. Clark, Ron worked for Continental Can Company, the largest packaging company in the world, for 18 years until their takeover by the Peter Kiewit Company. He held various positions within Continental Can from plant manager, regional manager of engineering to regional manager of manufacturing. Ron was the lead engineer for several patents still used in the packaging industry today including the inside protective systems utilized in all beer and beverage cans worldwide, Ice Breakers Cool Mints as well as the plastic closure (combitop), the world's first closure for aseptic cartons. Ron has served as a trustee on many local community boards from hospitals to private schools, including United Way of Berks County, Rosecrance Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center, St. Anthony's Hospital and Keith County Day School. At the time of his death, he was on the GMA Advisory Council of the Grocery Manufacture Association and on the board of the International Metal Decorators Association. He was a communicant of Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church, Hyde Park and Our Lady of the Light, Ft. Myers, Fla. There was nothing more important to Ron than his family. Ron is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Sue Ann (Morelli) Moreau. He was the devoted father of Rachel Moreau, wife of Daniel Moreau Stewart of Minnesota and Thomas Ronney "T.R.," husband of Laura M. (Cotter) Moreau of Douglassville, Pa. He was the adoring grandfather of Thomas, Drew, Alexander, Ellie and Anastasia. He was the loyal brother of Anita Maurice and Donald Moreau, both of Oshawa, Ontario; Gilbert Moreau of Caledon, Ontario and Ann Robitaille of Perkinsfield, Ontario. He was the beloved son-in-law of Tim and Doris Morelli of The Villages, Fla. Ron is also survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Paul (Rose Ann) Morelli of Venice, Fla.; Tom (Ellen) Morelli of Stephentown, Jim (Kim) Morelli of Lake Worth, Fla. and Gerry (Cathy) Morelli of Leesburg, Va., with whom he shared camaraderie, mutual respect, and thunderous laughter, often around a boisterous dinner table. Ron is also survived by his nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces, whom he treated with love, generosity and sound hockey advice. Ronald was also predeceased by two brothers, Lloyd and Raymond Moreau. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, October 22, 2012 at 10 a.m. in Holy Guardian Angels Church, 3121 Kutztown Road, Hyde Park. Viewings will be held Sunday evening from 5 to 7 p.m and Monday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. A memorial Mass will also take place at Renesselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Rensselaer Newman Foundation Chapel and Cultural Center. Entombment will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fox Chase Cancer Center, Attn: Development Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111 and/or RPI Hockey Program, Attn: Office of Alumni Association, 1301 Peoples Ave., Troy, NY 12180. For online condolences, visit christfuneralhome.com