Ronald O. McClelland

Ronald O. McClelland

November 1, 1937 – May 9, 2023

Ronald O. McClelland, of Bradenton, FL, formerly of Monroeville, passed peacefully on Monday, May 9, 2023, at the age of 85. A gentle, accomplished, and respected man, he was a loving partner, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Born and raised in Wilkins Twp., and educated as a draftsman, Ron was hired upon high school graduation by Westinghouse in East Pittsburgh. He worked as a mechanical engineer, including many years with Koppers Co., where he earned four U.S. Patents for his coke industry pollution control designs. Koppers sent Ron to various places in the United States and Canada to demonstrate this cleaner method of producing coke. When Koppers left the steel industry, Ron, with his experience as a plastic fabricator, started his own company, Omni Services, in East Pittsburgh, working as a modelmaker and creating prototypes for an array of products, including the MRI machine. Ron retired in 2001 when he sold Omni.

Ron was curious and his interests were plentiful, including golf, bowling, all types of music, cars, photography, drawing, and playing guitar. He especially enjoyed holiday gatherings with family and friends.

He is survived by his longtime loving partner and soulmate, Paulette “Frankie” George of Bradenton, daughter MaryJo Kurtz (Gary) of Teaticket, MA, and grandsons Sam Kurtz of Boston and Joey Kurtz of Teaticket. He also leaves extended family from the greater Pittsburgh area, including sister Nancy Puskar (Frank); sisters-in-law Joanne McClelland and Patricia Cella (Jim); brothers-in-law Joseph Rettger, Dick Rettger (Anna), and Jack Rettger (Angie); and many nieces and nephews.

Ron is preceded in death by his wife Kate (Rettger), son Michael, parents Orlando “Whitey” and Lillian, and brother Charles.

Additionally, Ron is survived by his adopted family of the past 25 years, also from the greater Pittsburgh area: children Sean Churchfield (Robin), Dawn Nudi (Dan), and Raun Churchfield (Jody); grandchildren Ryan Churchfield (Tori), Ashley West, Taylor Grabiak (Kody), Jason West, Abby Churchfield, Dillan Nudi, Raun C. Churchfield, Samantha Nudi and Lucas Churchfield; and great-grandson Carter Churchfield.

Friends are welcome on Friday, May 26, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Turtle Creek / Monroeville Chapel, 1111 Monroeville Ave., Turtle Creek, 412-823-9350 where a Blessing Service will be held the same day at 1 p.m.

Ron will be laid to rest privately in Good Shepherd Cemetery.
 

The family thanks Tidewell Hospice Home of Bradenton for their kind support during Ron’s transition.