Ronald Gilkinson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected peaceful passing at home of our beloved husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend who though his absence will be deeply felt, we take comfort in knowing that his legacy of love, kindness, and compassion will continue to inspire us. He loved with no restrictions and no hesitation. He was a good and faithful servant who loved Jesus and tried to live his life so. He has earned his wings and now enjoys the company of Jesus and his family.

Ronald L. Gilkinson, Sr. was born on November 4, 1951, the oldest child of the late LeRoy and Marjorie (Kilbane) Gilkinson. He was a graduate of North East High School. Growing up, he helped his parents and worked alongside his siblings on the farm. He met his wife, Joanna, in 1975. This year would have marked 43 years together. One of his greatest joys was being a member of the PepsiCo family, where he worked from 1990 until his retirement in February 2016, only to return again in 2022 to add two more years. Pepsi was his happy place. He became a father figure to many of the younger employees. In his downtime, he enjoyed working with his father- and mother-in-law on the Cass Dairy Farm, and after their passing, he continued to lend a hand to his nephew. He was proud to instill the same love of farming, hunting, four-wheeling, and hard work in his children.

He took pride in family gatherings, baking, and making blankets for cancer patients - a hobby that began at CTCA Philadelphia while traveling for Joanna's cancer care and his pulmonary. He gifted 400 blankets there and became known proudly as "The Blanket Man." Later, he did the same for people in our hometown. Thus, Stronger Together began, a group gifting those battling cancer. He was devoted to his family, a supportive father, grandparent, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a man loved far more than he knew. He enjoyed telling stories about his siblings and the trouble they would get into together and calling family and friends to chat about everything and anything.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Marjorie (Kilbane) Gilkinson; brothers: Richard Gilkinson and Roy Gilkinson; his in-laws: George and Betty Cass, and Allen J. Lintz.

He is survived by his soulmate and forever love, Joanna (Lintz) Gilkinson; four children: Ron Gilkinson Jr. (Heather), Russ Gilkinson (Carole), George Gilkinson (Alexandria), and Elizabeth Gilkinson; brothers: Ralph (Michele), Tom (Sharon), Joe (LeAnn), Roger (Debbie), Robert (Carol), Raleigh (Lori), and Randy (Louann); and sister, Marlene Gilkinson. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, along with godchildren: Sam Marsh, Michael Gilkinson, Alycia Austin, Maria Detar and Bekha Watson, and godfather, Peter Froess.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Matthew Casey Becker of LECOM, and Dr. Jeffrey Hoag, Dr. Sramila Aithal and Dr. Steven B Standiford of Philadelphia, for the knowledge, compassionate care and friendship they shared with Ron and our family.

Family and friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral & Cremation Services Harborcreek, 5151 Buffalo Rd. (at Hannon Rd.) on Sunday, February 8th from 2 to 5 PM and Monday, February 9th from 3 to 7 PM. Further visitation will be held at South Harborcreek United Methodist Church, 7929 McGill Rd on Tuesday, February 10th from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service there at 11 AM to be conducted by Rev. McGarvey and Rev. Tim. In lieu of flowers, family and friends may donate to Shriners Children's Erie, 1645 W 8th St., Erie PA 16505 or make a donation in Ron's memory to Stronger Together, care of Joanna Gilkinson, to help continue Ron's gifting and legacy in his name. Condolences may be offered at www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.