Andrew H. “Andy” Ronald, age 76, of New Philadelphia, went to be with his Lord and Savior, on Sunday, February 9, 2025, while in the care of Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital at Dover following a period of declining health.
Born in Twin City Hospital at Dennison on July 6, 1948, Andy was a son of the late James and Vivan Rippeth Ronald.
As a young man, he excelled in sports having been named “Mr. Bronco” in 1965 as an all-around athlete. Following his graduation in 1967 from the former Tuscarawas-Warwick High School, Andy enlisted in the United States Airforce where he was stationed on the Island of Crete, Greece as a Decoder during Vietnam. On January 19, 1969, he married Carole Martin, and together the couple raised two children and shared countless traveling adventures during their 51 years of marriage. Carole preceded Andy in death on March 1, 2020.
Professionally, Andy began his career in the grocery industry where he began working at the former Big Bear as a meat cutter. He eventually went out on his own having operated Andy’s Meats and spent a lengthy career with various grocery supply chains. When he retired, however, he enjoyed teasing his neighbors about the fact he no longer had to get up and go to work each day. His ornery side also came out with his family as he jokingly attempted to regain spare change from his grandchildren which Carole had taken from him to fill Easter Eggs each year. He also loved carrying on a long-standing tradition of “The Elf” to three generations of family members during Christmas time.
While traveling wasn’t Andy’s first pick of ways to spend his free-time, he grew to enjoy the adventure and later expressed to his family that he was glad Carole made him go. He did however enjoy being an award-winning winemaker, spending time in his garden, and relaxing on his pontoon boat at Atwood Lake. Attending class breakfasts offered social time with former classmates and he made it a point to attend and enjoy these events but above all he cherished his family. His deep faith in the Lord was nurtured as a lifelong member of Sharon Moravian Church where he was active in many aspects of church duties and while living in St. Clairsville, shared his time and talents with the congregation of Calvary Presbyterian Church.
His ornery, loving, nature will be missed by his children, Michael (Melissa) Ronald of Marietta and Stacey (Todd) Dessecker of New Philadelphia; his companion, Linda DiDonato of Dover; his five grandchildren, Corey (Meggy) Ronald, Amber McDaniel, Jacob (Jayna) Ronald, Joseph (Allie) Ronald, and Alex (fiancée, Emily Wilson) Ronald and his five great-grandchildren, Avery, Wynter, Roman, Calum, and Ares.
Completing the family are two sisters-in-law, Mona Ronald and Phyllis Ronald, a brother-in-law, Randy (Cheryl) Martin, and numerous extended family members.
In addition to his mother, father, and wife, Andy was preceded in death by two grandsons, Logan, and Mason Dessecker; two brothers, James and Richard Ronald, and a sister and brother-in-law, Cathie (Wilbur) Everett.
The family will greet guests on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 4-7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home and Crematory at New Philadelphia. A celebration of Andy’s life will be led by Rev. Lloyd Gooden on Thursday, February 13, 2025, in the Sharon Moravian Church at 10:30 AM. Burial with military honors provided by the Carl C. Stoller VFW Post 1445 will take place in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. Guests are invited to share in a meal and fellowship in the church social hall following services.
Memorial contributions in Andy’s name may be directed to Sharon Moravian Church, 776 Moravian Church Rd SE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.
To quote the late Jimmy Buffett, Andy’s favorite artist, in the lyrics He Went to Paris, we leave you with this: “Through 76 years of perpetual motion if he likes you, he’ll smile, then he’ll say: ‘Friends, some of it’s magic, some of it’s tragic, But I had a good life all the way.’”
Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory
116 Second Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
www.geibfuneral.com
Geib Funeral Service
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622
Geib Pet Crematory
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622