Ronald Vernon Kilgore
Ronald Vernon Kilgore, 83, of Providence Point, Peters Township, PA, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, September 1, 2023, at St. Clair Hospital in Pittsburgh. Ron was born October 8, 1939, in Pittsburgh to the late Arthur Vernon and Lillian Clara Yingst Kilgore.
Reared in Leechburg, PA, Ron graduated from Leechburg High School in 1957, and then attended Penn State, from where he obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science Degrees in Ceramic Engineering in 1961 and 1963 respectively.
Working as a ceramic engineer, he first worked at Vesuvius Crucible in Pittsburgh from 1963 to 1971, and then at BMI in South Webster, OH until 1991. At BMI he served as Director of Research and Development. Ron then transferred back to the Pittsburgh area, where he finished his career working with United Refractories in McMurray.
He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Shearer, on March 14, 1959, and they were married for 64 years and blessed with three children and their families. Ron and Joyce were true partners, as strong Christians, they were members of the former First Lutheran Church in Portsmouth, OH, and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in McMurray, PA. Ron shared his beautiful baritone voice as a member of both church choirs and was an active member in many other capacities. They also loved to travel and went all over the world with the best friends they had made through their churches and neighborhoods. Ron was a member and 32nd Degree Mason of the Coraopolis Masonic Lodge #674, the Valley of Pittsburgh Scottish Rite, and the Shrine Club. He enjoyed taking care of his family, home and landscaping, and he was a man with a booming and infectious laugh. Those whom he befriended always knew they were loved.
Ron was the beloved husband of Joyce; loving father of Lisa A. Kilgore of Columbus, OH, Richard “Rich” E. (Brita) Kilgore of Allentown, PA, and Carolyn L. (Alan) Lemons of Ruckersville, VA; loving grandpa called “Tie” of Christopher (Josie) Kilgore, Madison Kilgore, Matthew Kilgore, Daniel Kilgore, Chelsea (Jay Sutton) Lemons Rainier, and Seth Lemons; great-grandpa of Lenox Rainer and Greyson Kilgore; and dear brother-in-law of Burwell “Dick” (Yvonne) Shearer of Leechburg.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in McMurray with Rev. Kevin Clementson officiating. A luncheon and gathering of family and friends will be held immediately following the service at the church.
Arrangements by Beinhauer Funeral Homes, 2828 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA, www/beinhauer.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 105 Gateshead Dr., McMurray, PA 15317, the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation at smafoundation.org, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at cff.org.
Online condolences may be shared at www.ralphfscott.com.
