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Ronald Powlus Obituary
BERWICK — Ronald L. Powlus Sr., 67, of RuthAnn Drive, Berwick, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 24, 2014, surrounded by his family.
Born in Berwick on Oct. 3, 1946, he was a son of Margaret (Robsock) Powlus, Nescopeck, and the late Charles T. Powlus. He was a graduate of Nescopeck High School in 1964, where he was an outstanding high school athlete. He was a member of the Nescopeck Warrior championship basketball team, scoring more than 1,000 points.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Pittsburg State College, Pittsburg, Kansas, and a master's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Ron excelled as a pitcher on the baseball diamond and enjoyed prospects from the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Ron was a member of First Baptist Church, Berwick, and had a strong faith in God. He loved to say the Lord's Prayer.
He taught health and physical education for 30 years at Northwest Area, after which he became the high school principal for seven years, prior to retirement. He took great pride in the school and loved his co-workers and the "great kids" at Northwest.
He was involved with extracurricular organizations during most of his teaching career, coaching many different teams in football, boys and girls basketball, baseball and track and field, and helping coach many teams to a championship level. Ron was instrumental in starting a gymnastics program for the school and supervised the annual "gym show" for several years. He also enjoyed coaching every year at the Curry-Powlus QB Camp. He spent many hours making sure that the students at Northwest, a small school, could have big opportunities.
Hunting, fishing and traveling were some of Ron's favorite pastimes. He traveled with his wife, Susan, to visit his son, Ron, and family at various places they lived. Ron, his daughter, Christine, and grandson, Max, spent time hunting. Bass fishing in Canada and fly fishing in Fishing Creek were at the top of his favorite things to do with his friends, son, Ron, and grandsons, Ronnie and Tommy.
He was a member of the Freestone Fly Fishers Club and a member of the Berwick Golf Club for 25 years.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, James Matthews.
Ron leaves behind his high school sweetheart, the former Susan Heller, to whom he was married for a wonderful 47 years; loving children, Christine Powlus, Berwick; Ronald L. Powlus Jr. and his wife Sara (Ivanina), Lawrence; cherished grandsons, Max McCabe, Ronnie and Tommy Powlus. He is also survived by his sister, Dottie Powlus, Berwick; brother, Gary Powlus, and his wife, Terry, Berwick; sister-in-law, Marie Matthews, Manville, New Jersey; brother-in-law, Earl R. Heller III; nephews, Roger Nunkester, Michael Powlus; niece, Nancy Kishbaugh; aunts, uncles and cousins, including Betty (Shuman), Tom, Charles and George Robsock and their families, with whom he had great times.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Heller Funeral Home, 633 E. Third St., Nescopeck. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Berwick. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Powlus
Mo Moss
April 19, 2025
Ron was a wonderful boss while I was at NW. He was very proud of his family and that was what I liked about him especially. God bless his family and may he rest in peace
Connor frields
January 17, 2025
Mr. Powlus, I never knew you, but I do know Christine. She is the nicest teacher I've ever met, and she is one of the best. I hope you rest in peace, knowing your family's success. R.I.P Mr Powlus.
Mindy Cribbs
April 21, 2019
Remembering fond days at NWHS with Mr Powlus. He always had a smile for everyone. My sympathies to his family.
Al Gordon
May 15, 2014
I worked with Ron for several years as a member of the Northwest Area School Board. He was conscientious in his work as high school principal and had a number of friends on the board. It is tragic to see the life of a good man cut short. My condolences to his family, including his brother Gary.
Louise Biassi Curwood
May 2, 2014
Fond memories of this great man and teacher from my Northwest days will always come to mind when I hear his name. One of our Rangeretts first Basketball coaches back in 1972! My prayers and love go out to all of his family and friends.
Brian Kramer
April 30, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the Powlus Family.... I did not know the family but I grew up watching his son Ron play for Notre Dame in 94-97 seasons and thought he was a class act, so I can only imagine his father was the same way... RIP Ron Powlus Sr.
Bill Eroh
April 30, 2014
Sue & Family:
I was very saddened to hear about your loss of Ron. I have many great memories of the time spent with both of you at Nescopeck Schools. You were both great friends and of course lost touch many years ago and now living in SC. I wish you and your Family the best Sue and we lost a great man for sure.
May God Bless you all.
Brenda Franklin
April 29, 2014
Thoughts and prayers to the Powlus family. Mr.Powlus was a great teacher! So glad to have him as a gym and health teacher my years at Northwest.
Doyle Dietz
April 29, 2014
Sue, Ron and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Ron's death after his long battle with such a cruel disease and send my most sincere and profound sympathy to you and your family. One of my fondest memories is covering those Saturday afternoon Northwest football games and then talking about our high school days at Nescopeck and Danville and players from that time. He was one of those special people who personifies all that is good about sports as a life lesson. God Bless and comfort you with years of good memories.
Brian Ptashinski
April 28, 2014
Mr. Powlus was a great Teacher, Coach and Mentor. He will be greatly missed. Condolences to entire Powlus family.
Steve Buckley
April 27, 2014
Ron was a wonderful man. Scores of people will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
April 27, 2014
Sue Powlus,and family,
During your time of grieving and sorrow May the Lord be with you for each and every tomorrow. The Lord our God shall always see you through, Why?
because he truly does love you. May the Lord's love and all of his grace be with Ron Sr. in his final resting place. May the Lord be with you by day and by night, may the Lord always be your beacon,your guiding light. Even though the Lord has taken Ron Sr. away, His memories shall always be here to stay. We truly wish there was more that we could say or do. Please always know that our Heartfelt prayers Shall always be with all of you.
Written by
David A Harmon Sr.
332 Martz Street
Berwick,Pa. 18603
P.S.
I'm a brother to Willard L Harmon Jr.
Gary and Cheryl Kanouse
April 27, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to you all during this time
Danielle Diaz
April 27, 2014
I'll never forget the many memories of Mr. Powlus. I began attending Northwest in my Junior year of high school. He was one of the first teachers that made feel part of the Northwest family. RIP sir from the one you called every military rank you knew.
I'll miss you.
Danielle Diaz (Eastman), TSgt, USAF
Michelle Dennis
April 27, 2014
He will be grately missed.was an awesome gym teacher.will miss ya
Romaine Kovaleski Bohl
April 27, 2014
Sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man and techer. I have many fond memories of him during my time at Northwest.
Johnny Hasay
April 27, 2014
While Coach Powlus was from Berwick, his heart belonged to his family and to the kids at Northwest High. He dedicated his life to better their lives always striving to bring out the best in them so that they could realize the successes he knew was within them. We will remember you, Coach, as our mentor and our friend. God welcome you on our behalf!
BECKY HERMAM
April 27, 2014
A WELL KNOWN TEACHER & FRIEND TO MANY! ONE WHO WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY MANY ! TRULY DEDICATED TO HIS WORK HIS STUDENTS & HIS FAMILY ! NOW HE FLIES WITH THE ANGELS AS HE JOINS OTHER TEACHERS WHO HAVE ALLREADY MADE THE TRIP ALONG WITH SOME PREVIOUS TEACHERS! ): GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY & MAY THE STRENGTH OF GOD GET THEM THROUGH THIS LIVING NIGHTMARE ! FLY RONALD L. POWLUS WHERE YOURE FINALLLY FREE NEVER TO BE IN PAIN EVER AGAIN ! RIP RLP SR
Heidi Adams (Gregorowicz)
April 26, 2014
Mr. Powlus was a great teacher at NHS and will always be remembered. He was a wonderful educator and will be deeply missed.
Robbie Maczuga,Dudash
April 26, 2014
You inspired many, RIP.
B.J. and Dave Davidson
April 26, 2014
So sorry for your loss
melissa potoeski
April 26, 2014
god bless to the powlus family he was a sweet and respected man he will be greatly missed
lori Strait-David
April 26, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Marty Wagner
April 26, 2014
Well done, Coach
Maria Pizzirusso-Archer
April 26, 2014
Mr Powlus was a great teacher. I have fond memories of his classes.
Northwest class of 1979
linda mcafee
April 26, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the Powlus family at this time.
Brenda McDaniels Long
April 26, 2014
an awesome teacher...
Fred Addison
April 26, 2014
One of the kindest and caring coaches I ever played under. He will be sadly missed. God bless him and his family
Jadelle Hontz Comitz
April 26, 2014
My condolences to your family.
Mindy Cribbs
April 26, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss. I attended NWHS and graduated in '83. I moved away, I never knew he became principal. The kids were lucky!!
Kim (Rutkoski) Spencer
April 26, 2014
Mr. Powlus will be missed by so many people. He was an amazing coach and teacher. I will cherish all the memories of him from my years at Northwest. He touched so many lives. You will be missed. Rest easy.
melissa eshleman
April 26, 2014
sorry for the loss of a good man/great teacher. Prayers to the family to find peace at this sad time in the Powlus family
Amy Swiatek
April 26, 2014
So sorry for your loss! Mr. Powlus was a wonderful man!
JAIME SMITH
April 26, 2014
WE WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH YOU WERE A GREAT TEACHER AND COACH
Christina Zagata-Evans
April 26, 2014
May you & your family find comfort in knowing how Mr P. Spread the inspiration of Community Spirit and True Northwest Soul into the lives of countless Young Adults that we will never forget or ever Thank him enough for. May he rest in peace class of 1983 will always remember.
Jeremy Scott
April 26, 2014
Truly a great man, coach and friend. My prayers go out to the powlus family. Rest easy coach!
Pam Killian Scott
April 26, 2014
We will miss you ,Mr Powlus.
Betsy Ellis
April 26, 2014
Worked for many years with Ron, such a wonderful man and he truly loved Northwest Area School District. Rest in Peace Ron
Susie Matusheski
April 26, 2014
I was a member of that first gymnastics team in 1976! He always asked me to play "Mr. Bojangles" on the piano. He will be sadly missed. Blessings to his family.
Alan Angeli
April 26, 2014
Great teacher/coach and super person. Prayers go out to Mr. Powlus family
Paula Gavlick
April 26, 2014
To my distant cousin's family (my mother, Gladys, was a Powlus, and I believe her and Ron's grandfathers were brothers): You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless and comfort all of you at this difficult time.
Volante Family
April 26, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Ron and to your family.
Jess Latorra Spagnuolo
April 26, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of such a great person. My thoughts are with the Powlus family. Mr. Powlus was a great man both in the academic setting and outside of school. I have so many great memories from high school with him. He was a fabulous friend to my dad and our family. He will be greatly missed always.
April 26, 2014
Our hearts and prayers for the Powlus family. Such a wonderful family who left me with many great memories. May you find peace in his years of being so loved by so many people. May Ron rest in peace. Mo and Wayne Moss, Holden Maine
Joel Jones
April 26, 2014
I am so very sorry to hear of this loss. Ron was a great person & teacher.I had him for a teacher. He was always a pleasure to be around. May God bless his family and comfort them.
Chad Sitler
April 26, 2014
Some of my fondest memories at NHS include Coach P. From the things he said to the care and interest he took with us as individuals. So many kids went on to be better people because of him. More than he ever knew. God bless you and your family.
Jean (Kichner) Sheaffer
April 26, 2014
Susan & family, Thoughts & prayers go out to all of you. So very sorry for your loss.
Travis Birth
April 26, 2014
Thoughts and prayers to all the family. God Bless!
Steve Malishchak
April 26, 2014
It's been many years since I've seen you, but I still remember our fun times in class at Northwest back in "72". My condolences to the family.
Jennifer Moss-Kottler
April 26, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the Powlus family. Mr. Powlus was one of a kind and had such school spirit for Northwest Area he loved his school and students. I have so many memories of him from my time at NW, RIP Mr. Powlus.
Bob Latorra
April 26, 2014
They say that during a lifetime you can count your true friends on one hand. I lost a true friend Thursday when Ron passed away. I was blessed to share literally everything with Ron, every day for 30+ years. We shared an office, classroom, students, ideas, family news ...... everything. Ron helped more young people succeed than anyone I know. Condolences to the entire Powlus family - I'll greatly miss my true friend.
Janet Oborski
April 26, 2014
My condolances to the family and friends. Coach was a great mentor and friend to so many at nws. I often think back to my time being coached by him and mr robsock. Too many great memories!!! Thanks for all the years of dedication to northwest area!!!!
Peg (Young) Marvin
April 26, 2014
So sorry for the loss of this great man. He laughed with his students but also claimed their respect through his character. I'll always remember him. I will be praying for your family.
Ashley Lawson
April 26, 2014
My prayers are with the family! Mr. Powlus was a great man, teacher, and coach. He will be greatly missed!! From this "little Sorber girl"
Christina Woronko
April 26, 2014
Mr. Powlus supported me through my first years as a teacher, and I will be forever grateful. Deepest sympathy to you, his loved ones.
Robert and Colette Kishbaugh
April 26, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Powlus family.
April 26, 2014
Our condolences to Susan, Ronnie, Christine and boys. You were always such a loving family that I will never forget. God bless you all. Mo and Wayne Moss. Holden,Maine
Scott Nice
April 26, 2014
Ron was the kind of person who lifted the spirits of everyone he came into contact with. It was an honor to have known him.
Theresa Scali
April 26, 2014
my condolences to you and your family. May God be with you at this time. He was a great teacher and coach, he will be greatly missed.
Lori Harris Ulichney
April 26, 2014
When I think of Mr. Powlus several words come to mind; mentor, friend,coach,educator and comedian. He always had a smile on his face. My condolences to your family and may it bring you peace to know and see the legacy your husband, father and grandfather has left behind. It was a gift to know him. Mr. Powlus rest easy... Your job on this earth is done and I am sure your having a toast with Mr. Thompson and Mr. Sutliff in heaven. The world needs more caring people like this!
April (Okie) Okonieski Bankus
April 26, 2014
Thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Powlus was a great man who left many with a lot of great memories.
Rosalie Whitebread
April 26, 2014
R.I.P Mr.Powlus, You sure was one of a kind. You were loved by many students over the years at NHS. What a great man.
Carol Ann Weber Jackson
April 26, 2014
He truly was a great man and favorite teacher! Prayers ongoing for all family & friends. Always pleasant....one class I always looked forward to...no doubt, that sentiment will be repeated endlessly by his students. Class of 1973
Christina Maye (Houssock)
April 25, 2014
My condolences to the Powlus family. Even though it was 20 years ago, I can still easily remember Mr. Powlus walking the halls of Northwest. RIP, Mr. Powlus!
Tracey Arner
April 25, 2014
Mr. Powlus was a great teacher and person. He was really dedicated. My deepest sympathy to the family. ?
April 25, 2014
Mr.Powlus was one of the best teacher's that I have ever known in the years that I went to Northwest Area High School! He will be truly missed by so many. Would like to say to his family that I am sorry for their loss. Sincerely,Vivian Wall Bloom
Gina Zotte
April 25, 2014
May you rest easy. You were a wonderful teacher...You will be greatly missed. Prayers to the Powlus Family. NHS, Class of 1994
regina sipper (bieble)
April 25, 2014
Condolences to his entire family. He was truly a great man and one of my favorite teachers. May god hold him in his hands! RIP MR. P
April 25, 2014
He was an amazing influence on so many. He touched many students lives including my own. Heaven gained a great angel.
Lisa Killian Beach
April 25, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Powlus was one of a kind. He was always smiling and laughing. He was a great man and he will be truly missed.
Shannon Hartkorn
April 25, 2014
Ron, Sara and boys...you are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort and peace in your special memories.
With love... Jim and Shannon Hartkorn (Benton, Pa)
April 25, 2014
Mr. Polwlus was by far my favorite teacher. I have many fond memories of him. He will be greatly missed.
April 25, 2014
I was saddened to hear of Mr. P's death, he was one of my favorite teachers and coaches from my days at Northwest. My prayers and condolences to his family. JulieJackson-Parr class of 1990
Sue Baer
April 25, 2014
Thoughts & prayers to the Powlus family. Ron & my husband John spent many good years together at NWHS. He was a great inspiration & friend to many.
Jennifer Bomboy-Houser
April 25, 2014
I was shocked and saddened to hear this! Mr. Powlus will always be thought of with fondness! He was a great teacher and coach and truly did love Northwest! He was really funny too! :-( Many prayers!
April 25, 2014
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO THE POWLUS FAMILY TED STEPANSKI AND TERRI ROMAN STEPANSKI CLASS 1980 AND 1982
Erin Noss
April 25, 2014
You were one of a kind! Miss you and love you always coach!
Howie and Janice Hildebrand
April 25, 2014
Sorry for your loss.
Michael LeValley
April 25, 2014
Condolences to the entire Powlus family. I have great memories of Mr. Powlus from my days as a student at Northwest. He was a great man that took great interest in all of us "Rangers".
George Ryder
April 25, 2014
See ya later Coach.
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