Ronald E. Gilson, age 66, of Shippensburg, passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at his home. He was born Sunday, April 10, 1949 in Lewistown, the son of the late Ralph M. and Verdelma (Saunders) Gilson.
Ron graduated from Tuscarora Valley High School in 1967. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Shippensburg University. He was employed by Shippensburg Area School District for 35 years as an elementary school teacher. He was a member of Our Lady of the Visitation Catholic Church in Shippensburg and the Knights of Columbus. Ron enjoyed watching Penn State football, hunting, fishing, golfing, photography, camping and the outdoors. Ron also loved to play the piano. Since his retirement, Ron enjoyed working at the Luhr's Center and helping with the Make A Wish Golf Tournament.
He is survived by his wife, Dona L. (Weiland) Gilson to whom he was married for 25 years. They celebrated their 25th Anniversary together on August 18, 2015. He is also survived by two daughters, Angela L. and husband Jody Sanders of Greencastle, Diona K. Gilson of Shippensburg, one son, Kenneth M. Gilson of Shippensburg, grandson Evan Sanders, granddaughter Brooke Sanders and one brother Ralph Gilson of Port Royal. He was preceded in death by one sister Kathleen Kohler and one brother Richard Gilson.
Professional services are entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 51 Asper Drive, Shippensburg. Memorial services will be held at 4:00 PM Monday, April 4 at Our Lady of the Visitation, 305 N. Prince Street, Shippensburg with Father Dwight Schlaline officiating. A visitation will be held Sunday, April 3 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Dugan Funeral Home and Crematory. A church service at Saint Anne Church, Pittsburgh will be held on Monday, April 11 at 9:30 AM with interment at Saint Anne Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Live Like Lou Center for ALS Research, University of Pittsburgh, 3600 Forbes Avenue, Suite 8084, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 or ALS Greater Philadelphia Chapter, 321 Norristown Road, Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002.
