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J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home Inc.

1601 W Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pennsylvania

Ronald Handwerk Obituary

Ronald S. Handwerk Ronald S. Handwerk, 80, of Salisbury Twp., passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown. He was the husband of Pamela S. (Jones) Handwerk. They would have celebrated their 45th anniversary on May 10th. Ron worked in International Operations & Sales at Mack Trucks in Allentown from 1966 until retiring in 2004. Born in Northampton, he was the son of the late Stanley F. and Mildred L. (Kleckner) Handwerk. He was a graduate of Whitehall High School and Lehigh County Community College and proudly served his country in the Army Reserves. Ron was a gentle soul with a big heart and he deeply loved his family. His wife, Pam, was the center of his world, and they shared a profound and abiding love for each other. He took great pride in his three children and celebrated all of their achievements and milestones. He was an active participant in the lives of all six of his grandchildren, traveling all over the mid-Atlantic region to cheer them on at countless sporting events. He was particularly thrilled to welcome his first great grandson in 2024. Ron was an avid boater all of his adult life and spent many happy years boating on the Chesapeake Bay. Snowmobiling in Canada was his favorite winter activity, and world travel was a regular event, visiting 6 continents, 80 countries, and all 50 states. He also was passionate about all things related to trains in the US. He volunteered in his community and was happy when he was in the driver's seat of his classic car. He loved to build things in his basement workshop and looked for any excuse to operate heavy machinery, especially when he could do so in helping his family through all of the major milestones and transitions they experienced. Survivors: Wife, Children: Jonathan C. Handwerk and his wife Dina of Hockessin, DE, Jennifer S. Zinn and her husband, Christopher of Bridgewater, NJ, and Christopher S. Handwerk and his wife Ashley of Baltimore, MD, Sister: Linda L. Schock of Allentown, Brother: Gary L. Handwerk and his wife Lynne of Richmond, TX, Grandchildren: Leah R. Nulty (husband Jay), Megan E. Howell, (husband Justin), Jason C. Handwerk, Loren A. Zinn, Samantha K. Handwerk, and Ronald Keller Handwerk, Great-Grandson: Joey Nulty. Ron was predeceased by two sisters: Doris J. Reitz and Eleanor M. "Skip" Greenamoyer. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11 A.M. at the J. S. Burkholder Funeral Home, 16 th and Hamilton Sts. Allentown. A calling hour will be held on Saturday, from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Ron's wish was to honor his father by designating that any contributions be made to the American Heart Association.

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

Published by WFMZ-TV 69 News on May 8, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Handwerk

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5 Entries

Hank Kryeski

May 19, 2025

I am shocked to learn of Ron´s passing. I first met Ron while I worked at the Mack Dealership in Wilkes-Barre,Pa. in the early 70´s.
I relocated to Allentown in 1984 to Mack world headquarters and fortunately reconnected with Ron and worked together with him until his retirement. We enjoyed so many great times together. Ron was #1 in my book. He was always such a gentleman. Knowledgeable, helpful kind, caring. I and so many others will miss Ron very much.
I offer my condolences to his entire family.
RIP My friend.

Pat and Linda Wastella

May 13, 2025

Dear Pam and family my sincere condolences on Ron´s passing. It was a great colleague and fun traveling companion. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Vincent Doddy

May 10, 2025

My condolences to Pam & the family.
I worked with Ron at MACK Trucks & made a few business trips with him to South America. He was a pleasure to work with.
Rest in Peace Ron.

Barry Hower

May 9, 2025

I knew Ron as a longtime customer at Peters´ Marine. He was always a delight to deal with and the staff felt he was a true gentleman with a fun sense of humor. I remember how much I enjoyed our conversations. He was more than a customer, and we considered him a friend. My sympathies to Pam and the family.

American Heart Association

May 9, 2025

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

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Memorial Events
for Ronald Handwerk

May

31

Calling hours

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

J S Burkholder Funeral Home Inc

1601 W Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18102

May

31

Memorial service

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Inc.

1601 Hamilton St, Allentown, PA 18102

Funeral services provided by:

J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home Inc.

1601 W Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18102

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