Ronald "Ron" Nay

Ron, a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia (“Tish”); son, Joshua (Kathy) Nay; daughters, Colleen Nay and Kacy (Josh) Gehrens; grandchildren Allie, Zackary, Jack, and Charleigh; and sister, Janice (Don) Sortman.

Upon graduation from Pennsbury High School in 1970, Ron attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He later returned to Bucks County, PA, and became a Locomotive Engineer, working for Penn Central and Conrail before moving to SEPTA where he worked the last 30 years of his career. In total, Ron worked on the railroad – “running trains” as he put it - for 42 years.

He met his future wife, Tish, as a New Year’s Eve blind date and the two later married on April 6, 1974. They stood by each other through thick and thin and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past April.

A classic introvert, Ron disliked crowds but thrived in one-on-one conversations and could talk to individuals for hours on all manner of topics. He liked to joke and would often surprise people with his quick wit. His laugh was infectious and once he got going, there was no stopping him. Many favorite family stories would get retold at gatherings and, almost without fail, would get him (and his family) laughing again and again.

Despite his usually gruff exterior, Ron was generous. He gave of his time to anyone who asked, most especially to family and friends. He was a well-respected man of integrity who, if he told you something, you could guarantee it was true. Ron was also one of the most stubborn people you could ever meet. Once he made up his mind, there was little chance of changing it. He was a man of simple taste who preferred jeans and golf shirts and was more focused on providing Tish and his children with the best life possible instead of worrying about himself.

Ron was passionate about history, specifically American military history, and participated for years as a reenactor in the annual Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware as well as with the 28th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry for Civil War events, both alongside his son, Joshua. Before his eyesight became a problem, he could regularly be found reading about World War II’s battles and leaders. Ron also loved airplanes and dreamed of being a pilot. He enjoyed airshows and, more recently, lived vicariously through many pilots’ YouTube channels. He also loved and cared for many dogs in his lifetime, including Wrinkles, Heather, Trouble, Lady, Barron, Butch, Sunny, Murphy, Tank, Bear, Honey, and Bailey.

He was a member of Penn-Morris Lodge No. 778 (now Newtown Lodge No. 427), Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, where he served as Worshipful Master in 1991 and 1993. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Trenton (now Central New Jersey) and Temple-Melita Royal Arch Chapter No. 183 of Philadelphia, PA.

Ron was a good man in every sense of the word and the impact he made will be forever felt by his family that loves him dearly. His passing leaves an unfillable gap in the hearts of his loved ones and his ability to sacrifice, provide, support, forgive, and love will be forever engrained in all he knew.

Please join us in celebrating his life on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, 2200 Trenton Rd., Levittown, PA. Visiting hours will take place from 10:00-11:45 a.m. followed by a Masonic funeral service from 11:45-12:00pm and Words of Remembrance at 12:00pm.

Please do not send flowers (Tish is deathly allergic!). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National MPS Society, c/o Donations, PO Box 14686, Durham, NC 27709-4686, or to an animal rescue of your choice.