Ronald J. Samilo

1947 - 2021

Ronald J. Samilo, 74, of Minersville died Wednesday at home in the company of his loving family.

Born on May 26, 1947, in Pottsville, he was the son of the late John and Olga Gontarchick Samilo. He was a 1964 graduate of Nativity B.V.M. High School, and was a U.S. Army Reserve veteran.

An accomplished carpenter, he was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. He worked with several regional contractors, including Schneider and Davis Inc., Pottsville. He retired as a foreman from Bognet Inc., general contractor, Hazle Twp., after more than 30 years of service. He was proud of having built his home on Teaberry Hill. His coal mine bar is one of a kind and became the place for friends and family to gather for holidays and Super Bowl parties for the past several decades. He especially enjoyed singing Ukrainian Christmas carols while at the bar with his cousins, Bob, Randy and their families.

Ron was a dedicated husband and father, always putting his family first in everything he did. His favorite pastime was visiting with his three grandchildren. He was so proud to be their Gigi. He rarely missed a soccer match, field hockey game or dance recital.

He was a member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Minersville, and was active as a tenor in the St. Nicholas Choir, where he met his wife in 1964. He faithfully rang the church bells every Sunday morning with joy in his heart as his father had done years before him.

He was a life member of both South Cass Fire Company and Good Will Fire Company No. 1, Minersville.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Jacqueline Starbuck, on Dec. 29, 2017; and his brother-in-law, Duane Starbuck, in 2019.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, the former Gloria Jean Meyers; his daughter, Christine "Chrissy" Ashton; her husband, Dr. Michael Ashton; three grandchildren, John, Madeline and Andrew Ashton, Sugarloaf Twp.; a niece, Michelle Walters; nephew, Eric Starbuck; and two great-nieces, all in Denver, Colo.

The family will accept visitors from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury St., Minersville, with Parastas at 7 p.m. and from 6 a.m. Monday. Visitation will end promptly at 10:15 a.m. for Panachida. Requiem Divine Liturgy will be at 11 a.m. in St. Nicholas Church, 415 Front St., Minersville.

Interment will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Branch Twp.

The family prefers donations to St. Nicholas Cemetery Fund.

Visit www.dutcavich.com for more information.