Ronald D Mcconahy

Ron was born in Philadelphia PA, but grew up in Tyrone, PA. That was where he met the love of his life, after graduating from airline mechanics school and serving in the Air Force during World War II for 41 months. Ron and Marianne married on January 24, 1948. They lived in Tyrone, then Jackson and Okemos MI, where Ron worked for J.C. Penney’s, and then managed the private men’s clothing firm of Holden-Reid. He retired in 1977 to spend more time with Marianne, who was very ill at the time.

Marianne recovered, and the two of them traveled more of the world during their 34 years in Sun City. They started traveling when their children were in high school and never quit. When China and the Soviet Union opened their doors, they were there. They were blessed to have many years in retirement together that they believed would never happen. Ron golfed every day and Marianne became a Duplicate Bridge Silver Life Master, in-between their travels. They made many friends, traveled with many and held many dinner parties. Ron stated once that he probably ate one million cookies over his lifetime that Marianne baked. And he so appreciated her having family dinners around the table every night, no matter what his schedule at work, even if it was her volunteer day at the hospital.

Ron was known around Sun City for driving around in his golf cart with his dogs, and stopping and speaking to everyone. He also learned to make stained glass windows, which cover his house and his children’s houses, and so enjoyed his time with Al Neuman over the 34 years they were friends and stained glass makers. He never met a stranger and he helped any and all who asked or needed it in the neighborhood. He lived life to the fullest until his beloved Marianne passed away on July 9, 2010. He was ill then also, and decided it was time to join her for eternity. He loved his daughter’s monthly visits over the last five years of their lives when their health was failing, and adored his caretakers, especially Elizabeth, who was the first to sign on, and most recently Missy, Isabel, Josie and Allie. We will be indebted to them forever for their loving and gentle care of both Marianne and Ron. Also all our love and gratitude go out to Al for his frequent visits to our father and mother, even during the days when they probably didn’t know he was there. He is indeed a faithful friend.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife of 62.5 years, Marianne, and by their infant son in 1950, Stephen Jeffrey, and brother Ritchie McConahy of Melbourne, FL. He is survived by his daughter Michelle McConahy Maslow (Alex) and his son Michael James McConahy, both of Kansas City, MO; four grandchildren, Christopher, Christina and Natasha Maslow (Kansas City) and Stephanie McConahy of South Carolina; and two great-grandchildren Ryelin Christian Maslow (2.5 years) and Ethan Sarid Maslow (1 year). He loved playing board games with them and teaching them to play poker and blackjack, if they would keep the latter a secret! We all send kisses up to heaven to you both. You will be in our hearts every day until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Hospice of the Valley in Sun City in honor of Ron and the wonderful care they provided for him.

In memory of Ronald and Marianne, my loving parents

by

Michelle

SOARING FREE

Unencumbered by parachute and apron lines,

released from the downward spiral of gravity,

I am the wind and ride under an eagle’s wings,

to heights beyond my wildest dreams.

I am me, soaring free.

I am one among an army of angels

who force the waves to shore.

I wash the water over your feet and

between your toes as you walk along the beach.

I soar free but always within your reach.

I am a playful wind who

tousles your hair and rustles your pile of freshly picked flowers.

I am the rippling wind that dances in the grass and

sings through the tall backyard trees.

I give flight to the geese as they form a V.

I am with them, soaring free.

I am the warm breath of summer air

that hides in the shade, where you take shelter from the sun.

I capture your thoughts and carry them skyward above the clouds.

I cradle your laughter in my hands and hold it close to my heart.

I am with you and you are with me.

Soaring free.

I am a frigid winter gust

that paints pictures in frost upon your window pane.

I toss the snow in twirling swirls and carry snowflakes to rest upon your face.

I embrace you in a cold and snowy hug, so you will trap me inside your scarf

as you draw it close against you.

You soar with me, soaring free.

I am the carefree breeze of fall that

kisses your cheek and dries your tears on a sorrowful day.

I surround you with a gentle caress to soften your pain.

But do not weep for me

as hand in hand again

as forever we knew we would be

WE are soaring free.

(This was originally written for Marianne, but not printed, so we adapted it for both of them.)