Ronald Breese

Ronald “Ron” George Breese, age 68, of West Springfield, Pa., died unexpectedly while traveling on Thursday, April 10, 2014.

Born in Erie, PA. on July 30, 1945, he was the first son of the late George and Helen (Stickner) Breese, Jr. of Albion, Pa. In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his only sister, Mary Katherine Gibson, in 2013.

Ron graduated from Northwestern Senior High School in 1963 with high honors and was the recipient of the Harthan Character Award. After graduating, Ron began studying at Gannon University and working as a draftsman at Roger Brothers in Albion, Pa. In the late 60s, Ron moved to Arlington, Texas, where he worked as a test pilot for Bell Helicopter. His love for aviation only grew with age, and Ron was a proud supporter of his son, a pilot in the United States Air Force, and the United States military.

In 1972, Ron moved back to Pa. and began his third and final job as a corporate steel analyst at the Lincoln Electric Company in Ohio. Ron devoted more than four decades of his life to Lincoln Electric and would have begun his 43rd year in May. Ron was considered one of the leading steel analysts in the country and he traveled to many countries in the world conducting business including China, Mexico, Germany, Spain, and Poland, amongst several others.

When he was not working or traveling, Ron enjoyed spending time with his wife and children at Willow Breeze Farm, his long-time residence in West Springfield, Pa. He was known to spend hours mowing the pasture or weed whacking around the pond. He loved fishing, spending time with his dog, Sheila, and fixing anything that was broken. Ron was known for his jokes, his laugh, and his belief in Murphy’s Law. He will be remembered for his kind heart, incredible bear hugs, remarkable work ethic, endless generosity, and true love of family.

Ronald is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Joan Guhde Breese. He is also survived by his five children, who were his pride and joy: Sara Breese of Cleveland, Ohio; Lt. Jonathan Breese, currently serving in the United States Air Force and based out of Tucson, Ariz.; Christopher Breese and his wife Angela of Dallas, Texas; Kevin Breese, his wife Megg and son Graham Ronald Breese of Dallas, Texas; and stepson Edward Brown of Erie, Pa. Ronald is further survived by his only brother Thomas Breese, brother-in-law Howard Gibson, niece Melissa Gibson and her daughter Abby, nephew Jason Gibson and his wife Amanda, aunts Ann Stickner and Ann Smith, all of Albion, Pa, Agnes Cryder of Jersey Shore, Pa., Elsie Gladd of Lexington, Kentucky, and several loving cousins.

Family and friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main Street East, Girard, PA 16417 on Wednesday, April 16 from 4-8 p.m. and on Thursday, April 17 from 2-5 p.m. A memorial service will be held immediately following calling hours at 5 p.m. in Burton’s All Faiths Chapel. Memorials may be made to The ANNA Shelter, 1555 East 10th Street, Erie, PA 16511 or to “Got Your 6,” 1012 14th Street NW, Suite 915, Washington, DC 20005. Condolences may be sent at www.BurtonFuneralHome.com