Ronald J. Simanovich

Ronald J. Simanovich, 82, of New Cumberland, PA, passed away at his residence on the evening of Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Ron was born at home on June 12, 1942, in Beaverdale. He was the son of the late Stanley and Helen (Fetsko) Simanovich.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Vashni A. DePaz; two sisters, Sylvia Wilson and Martha Simanovich; and his paternal grandparents who raised him, Anna Ribinski and Ignatas Ribinski. Surviving Ron is his wife and best friend of 57 years, Donna (Pollock) Simanovich; a son, Michael N. Simanovich; granddaughter, Emily R. Simanovich; and a son-in-law, Dr. Roberto DePaz.

Growing up in Cambria County, he would graduate in 1961 from Beaverdale-Wilmore High School and then go on to obtain his BS in Secondary Education with a certificate in Comprehensive Science from Millersville University (’66). In 1967, Ron completed a six-week physics workshop offered through the National Science Foundation at Wake Forest University. He earned a master’s degree through Middle Tennessee State University in 1972, enabling him to teach physics at a high level.

Professionally, he began as a student teacher in the fall of 1966 at Hannah Penn Junior High School, York City SD. In 1967, he was fortunate enough to land a position teaching biology and physics at West Perry Senior High School; he also became head coach of the track and field team and an assistant varsity football coach. He spent the next four years at West Perry, chipping away at his master’s degree each summer. In the spring of 1972, he became a statistician with the PA Department of Education, starting what would become a 30-year career with the Commonwealth of PA. He took a position with the newly created Information Center in 1982, partnering with IBM to educate the department staff as to how they could better use the new mainframe software. He moved on to the Educational Quality Assessment division in 1984 where he helped develop TELLS—a testing program which replaced the EQA system. He then moved to the Federal Programs division where he oversaw the distribution of federal grant money to public schools in the state. In 1989, he went on to the Bureau of Teacher Certification, specializing in the review of universities and colleges with approved teacher education programs. Ron was named Professional Employee of the Year in 1992; this recognition focused on his implementation of the bureau’s voice response unit (enabling callers to obtain certification information through an automated system). He was promoted to the Chief of the Division of Teacher Education in 1996, a position held until his retirement in July of 2001. In addition to his employment with the PDE, he spent 18 years as an adjunct faculty member with York College of PA where he taught a Saturday morning Physical Science course.

Work was very important to Ron, but his family always came first. Coming home after a long day to his wife, Donna, and children, Michael and Vashni, was what fueled his steadfast drive in other facets of life. He coached little league baseball and girls’ softball when his children were young, and he also helped with the Boy Scouts and Indian Guides. Vashni kept him busy with “Dad’s and Daughters.” He swelled with pride watching them grow, and he and Donna enjoyed supporting their marching band careers at Red Land High School as active members of the boosters.

Upon retirement, Ron took coursework to become a certified Penn State Master Gardener. He was active with the York County Master Gardeners for nearly a decade. He spent time working in the gardens at John Rudy County Park and provided evening gardening workshops for children. He also wrote gardening articles for the York Sunday News. On a personal level, he also maintained a greenhouse and extensive (well-manicured) flower beds on his own Newberry Township property. Anything but one-dimensional, he took art lessons at the York Art Association where he’d go on to become a juried pastel artist, and he was an avid golfer, playing in the Monday Senior League at Liberty Forge. He also golfed with his buddies from Millersville University and Western PA.

Ron’s wishes were that no service be held.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions in Ron’s name to Vickie’s Angel Walk, 511 Bridge Street, New Cumberland, PA 17070.