Ronald J. Charno

Ronald J. Charno, Sr.

1936 - 2023

Ronald Joseph Charno, Sr 87, died peacefully at his home in Drexel Hill, PA, on Friday, September 1st.

Ron is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, M.  Patricia “Pat” (Corcoran) Charno and their loving children, sons Nicholas (Mary), Kevin, Thomas (Maryellen), and only daughter Maria. “Grandpop” had 9 grandchildren that adored him--Marc, Alison, Alex, Taryn, RJ, Thomas, Matt, Luke and Michaela, as well as 5 great grandchildren--Jack, William, Henderson, Faye and Bennett. Ron is also survived by his sister, Diane (Jim) whom he adored and brother Jon, along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Sandra and his son Ronald Jr. (Kathy).

Ron was born in 1936 in Binghamton, NY. He was the first son of Joseph and Tekla “Tillie” (Franchak) Charno. He spent time in Binghamton and Colorado before his family settled in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia where Ron attended Lincoln High School while his father was the Chief Engineer at the Frankford Arsenal.

Ron was a meticulous mechanical engineer and had a colorful and varied career and was held in high esteem by his colleagues.  He graduated from Drexel Institute of Technology (Drexel University) and then received a Master of Engineering from Penn State University.  Early in his career he was employed by GE in the aerospace program, by NASA in the Apollo Program and as an engineer designing arresting gear for Navy aircraft carriers. Ron was the co-patentee on multiple inventions including the fire arresting foam generator for spacecraft and energy absorbing automobile bumper. The bulk of his career was with the Scott Paper Company where he designed and built paper making machines.  His work with Scott took him all over the US and the world. Ron’s work experiences contributed to his wonderful and unique sense of humor. He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife Pat, his one true love. Their love story began at the Jersey shore and grew in West Philadelphia where they were married on Halloween 1959. They moved to Drexel Hill in 1963 where they raised their family and lived for over 60 years.

Ron and Pat loved to travel and enjoyed visiting Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland, China, Japan, Mexico, Tahiti, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Their favorite destination was Key West, where they visited often. This is where Ron allowed himself to really relax and unwind.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation 9:30AM Saturday, September 30th at Ruffenach Funeral Home, 4900 Township Line Rd, Drexel Hill, PA, 19026 where a service will follow at 10:30AM. Interment will be private.

Ron will be deeply missed by those that loved him most. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Ron’s name. 

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