Ronald C. Gahagan, Sr. passed away peacefully with family at his side on October 25, 1923.  He was born 92 years ago in the Pittsburgh, PA area where he was raised with his older brother.  He married his high school sweetheart, Jean Fisher Gahagan soon after graduation and they became a team. He started a family, became a homeowner and business owner in his very early twenties, and never stopped.

When not hard at work, Ron enjoyed spending weekends and vacations with his family either at the beach or family cottage at the lake, sailing, waterskiing, riding the waves, eating ice cream, and dappling in photography.

A loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan, both he and Jean were season ticket holders during the earlier four Super Bowl wins and he continued supporting the team as a chair side fan. At 60 years old and after forty years of never missing a day of work, he sold his business and he and Jean moved across the country to Phoenix Arizona where he worked for Southwest Airlines.  They travelled extensively, mostly to visit their children and grandchildren.  At 68, Ron and Jean were ready to move back to the east coast to be closer to their family and trade desert living for beach living in their dream beach home.

His passion for fixing, building, planting, tinkering, and daily beach walks kept him active and young at heart.

After Jean’s passing, Ron eventually became active in the local community as a weekly respite companion to Jim and also an involved member of a local grief support group.

He moved to Atlantic Shores Community at 85 yrs old and made new friends as he participated in the social activities.

Ron was an easy person to love.  He was strong and friendly, practical and wise.  He knew when to listen and when to speak. He had this enduring sense of humor, a way of looking at life that softened the sharp edges. He led by example, encouraging his children to show up for life, to persevere and to get along with others. In the end, he taught us how to say goodbye and move forward into the Mystery, joining with Jean once again. Ron will be sorely missed by all of his family and friends. He leaves his legacy of gentle strength for his four children, Patti Barnes, Peggy Gahagan, Pam McIntyre (husband Jeff McIntyre) and Ron Gahagan, Jr. (wife Jannina Gahagan), his seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren: Tanya Ripley, Travis Barnes, Russell McIntyre, Emma McIntyre, Max Gahagan, Athena Gahagan, Marcus Gahagan, Kai Barnes, Kaden Ripley, Miko Barnes, Kendall Ripley, Noli Barnes and Ella McIntyre.  Ron joins those loved ones who have also passed on: his beloved wife Jean, his brother Ed, and son in law Francis Barnes.

A private family celebration of life is being planned.