Ronald James Burrell

Ronald James Burrell, 85, died peacefully on Sept. 21, 2020, at Novant Health Prince William Medical Center, Manassas, Va. He was born April 3, 1935, in Carbondale, Pa. to William R. and Mary (Smith) Burrell. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his nine older siblings; and his special friend, Billie Waters.

Ron is survived by six children and their families, Linda and husband, Tim McCanty, and their children, Matthew; Sean and wife, Deb; and Seamus and partner, Casie; JoAnn and husband, Chris Komanowski, and their children, Brian and Patrick; Jay and wife, Lisa; Sandy; Judy and partner, Chuck; Ed and wife, Gail; and former wife and mother to all six children, MaryLou McPhail. Also surviving are Billie's daughters, Anna, Shelly, Dawn and their families.

Ron went to school at St. Rose in Carbondale and Scranton Prep from which he graduated in 1953. After serving in the United States Marine Corps for three years, he married and went to Penn State for a degree in electrical engineering. He then spent more than 30 years with IBM Federal Systems Division as an engineer and project manager and was recognized by NASA for work on several projects.

After retiring, Ron volunteered with Medical Missionaries in Manassas. He made many trips to Haiti to use his engineering skills to help make a rural health clinic functional in order to serve many needy families. He was also active in the American Legion. His devotion to his Catholic faith was unparalleled.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Oct. 16, at noon at All Saints Catholic Church, 9300 Stonewall Road, Manassas, Va., with the Rev. Lee Roos officiating. Internment will follow at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, Va.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; or Medical Missionaries, 9590 Surveyor Court, Manassas, VA 20110, in memory of Ronald James Burrell.

Condolences may be sent to www.piercefh.com.