Ronald W. Poole, 70, Gettysburg, PA died Friday, March 29, 2019 at the York Hospital.
He was born June 29, 1948 in Pittsburgh, PA the son of the late, William R. and Angeline Lorenzi Poole. Ron is survived by his wife, Karyol Kniffen Poole.
Ron graduated from Baldwin High School in Pittsburgh, PA and then enlisted in the US Marine Corp serving 2 tours in Vietnam. He was awarded the National
Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Navy Unit Commendation. Following his time in the service, Ron worked in his trade as an HVAC mechanic attaining the position of HVAC Specialist at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. After attending the Frederick Community College and the University of Maryland University College he continued to serve in the federal workforce as a Training Administrator at the NIH leading a team that planned, developed and managed workforce development and training. Ron retired from the federal government after more than 30 years of service and continued an active work life at the Frederick Community College.
Ron loved his country and served it proudly through his military service and his career at the NIH. Ron was dedicated to his family who always came first. He believed in helping others and was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. In his younger years in Pittsburgh he played guitar in a professional band known as “The “Undertakers” and continued his love of music, especially country and bluegrass, throughout his life. Ron was an avid and dedicated Pittsburgh sports fan especially of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pirates. His favorite actor was John Wayne and he enjoyed watching westerns. He became an experienced woodworker enjoying working with exotic woods and making things for others to enjoy. Ron and his wife loved to travel especially to US National Parks. His favorite place on earth was Coki Beach on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
In addition to his wife, Ron is survived by two sons, Matthew Alan Poole (Emily Driver Poole) of Gordonsville, VA and Bryan William Poole (Jennifer Fox) of Waynesboro, PA, a sister, Maria Poole of Pittsburgh, PA, an aunt, Sarah Poole, of Gardendale, AL, and many cousins in South Carolina. He was well loved by his wife’s family, Don and Kay Kniffen, Don, Jr., Megan and Bailey Kniffen, Kimberly and Mike Sims and Josh and Alex, and Mike Kniffen and Becca Millner.
A Celebration of Ron’s Life has taken place. In lieu of flowers memorial can be made to the American Cancer Society, 1004 North Juniata Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648. Online obituary and condolences available at monahanfuneralhome.com.
