Ronald Cletus “Ron” Butterworth
Ronald Cletus “Ron” Butterworth, 90, of Philipsburg, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Friday, January 31, 2025.
Ronald was born on May 14, 1934, in Philipsburg, a son of the late Henry H. and Violet (Perna) Butterworth.
He was a 1952 graduate of the former Philipsburg High School where he was an outstanding wrestler. He won a state runner up title and was inducted into the PIAA District 6 Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Following high school, Ron served in the US Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was a decorated member of the 28th Trans Battalion 1958 rifle team.
He grew up in the family business working with his brothers at Butterworth Motor Company. The company was founded by his father in 1919.
He was married on November 19, 1960, in Osceola Mills, to the former Jean Mott, who preceded him in death on December 4, 2022.
Ron and his late wife, Jean, were both members of Nativity of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Osceola Mills. He was also a member of the BPOElks Lodge & Country Club, Lodge #1173, Philipsburg; LOOMoose, Lodge # 154, Osceola Mills; VFW Post #5020, Osceola Mills; the Society of Slovak Workingmen (Slovak Club), Osceola Mills; and the Moshannon Valley AMVETS, Post #159, Philipsburg.
Later in his working career, he was employed as a mechanic in the physical plant at Penn State University, University Park Campus. He retired from Penn State after 15 years of service.
Ron had a passion for dirt track racing and ran the orange and black number 38 car to victory with many trophies to prove it.
Ron is survived by a son, Michael “Mike” Butterworth and his wife, Shelly and their daughter, Marlee Rose Butterworth, all of Philipsburg; a daughter, Tamara “Tammy” Dunkley and her husband, Gregory “Pete” Reifer, of Hollidaysburg; (Tammy’s) two daughters, Alexandra “Ally” (Dunkley) O’Neil and her husband, Christopher, of Bethlehem, (Pa.) and Nicole Dunkley, of Pittsburgh; (Tammy’s) step-children: Aaron Reifer and his wife, Megan, Heidi Krawczak and her husband, Rob, and Melissa Passmore and her husband, Brett, all of Houtzdale, and Norma Reifer; of Altoona; and a number of step-great-grandchildren along with numerous other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his brothers: Merle, Earl, Arnold and Theodore “Ted” Butterworth; and his sister, Evelyn Matson, in addition to his parents and wife, Jean.
He lived a full life, with many close friends and love for his family. His mild manner and warm personality were met with a firm handshake.
He will be missed dearly, especially his sweet smile, that sparkle in his blue eyes and the best hugs ever. Not to mention he could fix just about anything!
A funeral service will be held at the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, Osceola Mills, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 11 am, with Archimandrite Jacob Piruta, officiating.
A visitation will be held at the Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC, 701 Lingle St., Osceola Mills, on Monday from 5 until 8 pm.
A Panikhida Service will be held at the funeral home on Monday at 7 pm.
Interment will be in the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Cemetery, Osceola Mills.
Military Honors will be accorded by the Osceola Mills Honor Guard.
From the family we’d like to say thank you to everyone who supported us during his final months and those who looked after him once his wife passed.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.heathfuneral.com
