Ronald P. Gouldner

Ronald P. Gouldner, 71, of Reading, went peacefully home to be with Jesus on Sunday morning, July 17.

Born in Schuylkill County, he was a son of Viola Moyer and Paul Adam Gouldner.

Ron was a proud Marine, having served in Vietnam from 1968-1975 with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion. He was a parachutist, constantly being deployed (with his team of five other men) by helicopter deep inside NVA-held territory on intel gathering missions. These missions lasted five to six days with a two-day break to restock and go over intel for the next mission. Ron was an outstanding recon marine and a valuable team member who could always be counted on to carry out more than his fair share of duties. He was awarded with a Vietnam Service Medal, Campaign Medal, Cross of Gallantry, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and Parachutist insignia.

Ron worked many years at Reazor Custom Woodworking, making cabinetry in Reading. It was a job he truly loved, but the progression of his Parkinson's disease forced him to retire early.

He loved eating burgers at the Café Waldorf in Reading, chatting and hanging out with his good friends there.

Ron attended Glad Tidings Church in West Lawn with friends and other veterans. That is where he met his Savior and truly changed his life. It was a sermon series in January 2019 called "Reset." He said he needed to do a reset of his life and prayed that day.

He was also an active attendee at Veterans Making a Difference - a veteran center in Reading with a mission of veterans helping other veterans. He made many close friends there.

Thank you to the true angels on Earth that he met at the Wyomissing Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Ron is survived by his son, Ronald Leymeister, husband of Eleanor Readinger, and one child, Tristan Martin; also, a son, Kevin Gouldner, husband of Mona, and three children; three sisters, Barb Reed, wife of the late Arthur Reed, Pat Reynolds, wife of Patrick, and Pam Ebling, wife of Lyn; one brother, Jim Gouldner, husband of Rhonda. Ron had a brother, Thomas, who died at birth. Also, surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 25, at Grabowski Funeral Home, 75 Memorial Drive, Schuylkill Haven. Burial will follow in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. Friends and family are welcome from 9 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Veterans Making a Difference, 2412 Spring St., West Lawn, PA 19609. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.grabowskifuneralhome.com.