Obituary – Ronald “Ron” Manila
Ronald “Ron” Manila, 85, longtime resident of Drexel Hill, PA, passed away on January 8, 2024 at home. Born and raised in Renovo, PA. Ron was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School, class of 1956.
He enrolled at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and after a year he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following his military service, Ron attended the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School before transferring to St. Joseph’s University and graduating in 1967 with a degree in Finance/Accounting. Ron joined General Electric as an Analyst and held various management and leadership positions in their finance department. His work was in classified missile, satellite, and defense communication systems. Ron’s career spanned 27 years, retiring in 1992 but continued as a financial consultant.
An avid outdoorsman, Ron enjoying fishing, hunting, and especially bird hunting with his prized Brittany Spaniels. He loved camping with his family and would share fond memories of vacations with his extended family. He was a dedicated gardener, harvesting seed from his own plants to start the next years’ plantings. He also spent many hours organizing and updating his vast coin collection.
Ron enjoyed helping family, friends and neighbors, freely giving his advice, whether solicited or not. A good neighbor and friend once described him as “a diamond in the rough,” which was perhaps an appropriate description of his persona. Ron was an animal lover and loyal Philadelphia sports fan and best enjoyed games from home. He loved watching old western movies reminiscent of his childhood Saturday mornings at the Rialto Theater in Renovo. Whether coaching Little League years ago or as a spectator later in life, his family always came first.
A member of St. Bernadette of Lourdes Parish in Drexel Hill, he was predeceased by his parents, Berardo and Adeline Manili and his sisters, Letitia, Mary, Gloria and Eleanor.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years his beloved high school sweetheart, Margaret “Peggy” (nee Duffield); his children Ronald Jr. (Betsy), Stephen (Danielle), Tanya and Michael (Dawn) Manila; his grandchildren, Angela, Daniel, Faith, Joy and Joseph.
Visitation 9:30 a.m. March 16, followed by an 11 a.m. Funeral Mass held at St. Bernadette’s Church, Drexel Hill. Interment will be private.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Bucktail Medical Center, 101 Pine Street, Renovo, PA 17764 or Providence Animal Shelter, Sandy Bank Road, Media, PA 19063.
Arrangements made by Toppitzer Funeral Home, Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, PA. Online condolences/obituary www.Arlingtoncemetery.us
