Ronald Philip Ream

Surrounded by his loving family, Ronald Philip Ream of Aaronsburg, passed away at his home on May 10, 2025, after a valiant fight with cancer at age 83. Born April 17, 1942, in Aaronsburg, Ron was a son of the late Malvin P. and Pauline I. “Burd” Ream. He was a 1960 graduate of Penns Valley High School. On May 31, 1975, he married the love of his life, Candace A. “Stover” Ream.

Ron honorably served our country in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1965. After his military service, he attended Aircraft Mechanic School in Pittsburgh, graduating with honors as a certified commercial airline mechanic. He went on to work for United Airlines in New York and Harrisburg before returning to the area to continue his career as an autobody mechanic at J&C Body Shop.

Ron experienced a life-changing hunting accident on November 20, 1976, when he was shot and blinded at the age of 33. This altering moment never stopped him, making him a great inspiration to many. Even without sight, he learned and picked up his love for woodworking, which stunned everyone. Spending hours in the shop, lights off building hundreds of items for his family and community. His never-ending perseverance and unbelievable abilities in woodwork, despite total blindness, made him known to many and earned him continuous recognition, including the “Outstanding Individual = Success In Independence Award” from the Pennsylvania Governor and Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services. Ron was featured in various publications, showcased in several news segments, and mentored others with visual impairment.

Ron graciously supported others and served his community in many ways. He was president of the Millheim Fireman’s Club for 38 years and was on the board of directors for many groups, including the Millheim Lions Club, American Legion Post 444, Penns Valley Ambulance Service, and Aaronsburg Water Authority. Ron was a member of the Salem Lutheran Church in Aaronsburg, where he served on the church council.

He was an incredible man; truly one of a kind. His presence was unforgettable, with a gift for storytelling that could light up any room. Fishing was one of Ron’s greatest passions—a love he shared throughout his life with his father, brother, grandsons, and countless friends. He enjoyed many other hobbies such as gardening, playing cards, hunting, washers, and shuffleboard, all while being blind. Ron made his card-playing skills known, being the “card shark” at the Fireman’s Club and in many card parties with his wife and friends. He was a lifetime fan of Penn State Football and Wrestling, doing pushups for every touchdown and celebrating every pin with his best friends. Above all, Ron treasured the moments spent with his beloved family, from hearing the pitter-patter of his grandkids running around to the annual Ream family vacations.

In addition to his wife, Ron is survived by three daughters: Joey P. Lewis of Ashburn, VA, Heather Jo Guisewhite (Bill) of Spring Mills and Kelly Jo Kerstetter-Sanchez (Onix) of Milesburg; three siblings: Bonita R. DeBrasky (Stan) of Aaronsburg, Randy A. Ream (Joy) of Aaronsburg, Beth Pryor (Richard) of Fayettville, and his brother-in-law, James Stover of Aaronsburg. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Kendall, Austin (Alex), Jessica (Neil), Hannah (Mandie), and Hudson and seven great grandchildren: Atlee, Kayce, Layke, Oaklen, Briar, Jonathan, and Zailey. Ron was preceded in death by his infant daughter Angela Jo Ream, siblings Brenda L. Stover and infant twins Karen and Keith Ream, and grandson Nathen Kerstetter.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Salem Lutheran Church in Aaronsburg. The Celebration of Life service in honor of Ron will follow at 2:00 pm with Pastor Becky Horn officiating, and a graveside service and meal to follow. Ron will be laid to rest with military honors in the Salem Lutheran Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be given to Team Ream, Bob Perks Foundation, or the Hope Fund of Penns Valley. 

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