Ronald Lee Paetow

Ronald Lee Paetow obituary, Chambersburg, PA

Ronald Lee Paetow

Ronald Paetow Obituary

Visit the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home & Cremation Center - Chambersburg website to view the full obituary.

Ronald Lee Paetow, 79, of Fayetteville, PA, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, at his home. Born December 19, 1945, in Cumberland, MD, he was a son of the late Bruce Lee Paetow and Gladys Marie Orndorff Paetow.

Ron was a 1964 graduate of Fort Hill High School in Cumberland, MD. A US Army veteran, Ron served honorably from 1964-67 in Vietnam where he lost two close friends. Ron loved his country and endured many hardships and made many sacrifices in his life due to his service. He was employed at Letterkenny Army Depot for over 30 years as a welder, in the machine shop, forklift operator and finally as a tools and parts attendant until his retirement. A dedicated family man, Ron enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He also enjoyed setting up a large train display every Christmas.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara Ann O’Connor Paetow, whom he married on February 10, 1968; four children, Dale Allen Paetow (wife Bethany) of Katy, TX, Gale Ann Kendall (husband Bradley) of Chambersburg, Cristy Lynn Highlands (husband Ron) of Chambersburg, and Robbie Colin Paetow (wife Katy) of Chambersburg; fourteen grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and three siblings, Brenda Snurr (husband Allen) of Cumberland, MD, Terry Paetow (wife Mary) of Ridgeley, WV, and Richard Paetow (wife Mindy) of Cumberland, MD.

It was Ron’s wish to be with his fellow Vietnam veterans after he passed. He will be interred at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery where there will be a private family service. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Chambersburg, PA. Condolences and memories may be shared at geiselfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home & Cremation Center - Chambersburg

333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202

People and places connected with Ronald

Make a Donation
in Ronald Paetow's name

How to support Ronald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Ronald Paetow's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more