On July 25, 2025, Ronald "Ron" McCreary Sr, 86, of Gettysburg, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family. Ron was born on March 19, 1939 in Harrisburg, PA to Leo H and Ruth K (Davidson) McCreary. In 1958, Ron married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Karstetter. Together, they spent 67 years building a family and a life that was full of love.

As one of seven children he has always had a strong love for his family. If you have ever been to his home, you've seen his "wall of fame" featuring his 4 children and 8 grandchildren, with an additional wall showcasing his 10 great grandchildren. Ron was a big kid at heart and loved being able to share fun experiences with his family throughout the years. He could be found speeding through the orchards on a sled in the winter, zipping down the waterslides on cruise ships, and body surfing on the waves in the ocean.

Ron was a unique man. With one single whistle, he could stop the family of 20+ people in their tracks and send them running towards him in a busy amusement park. He had the ability to stare an alligator into submission - an event witnessed by his own family. But he was also the biggest teddy bear, often found under a pile of grandchildren well into their 20s. Any conversation with him left you in stitches as he always had strong opinions to share, but did so by creating his own phrases that usually only made sense to him. 'Pappyisms' as the family fondly calls them.

Whether you knew him as Ron, Dad, Pappy, Big Pap, or Mr. McCreary, you knew that being part of his "circle" meant you were someone special. The only thing stronger than the love he had for his family, is the love his family has for him.

Ron knew the value of hard work and dedicated himself to many professions over the years including; Harrisburg Dairies, Capitol Products, A & P Tea Company, 12 Trees Apartments/Townhomes, and Peter's Orchards. He also served in the Army Reserves from 1958 to 1964.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, 5 siblings, and a son, Ronald Kirk McCreary, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, and 3 children, Jody Boore (Dave) of Gardners, Judy Leeti, (Alan) of Gettysburg, Tim McCreary (Dawn) of Carlisle, daughter-in-law Alice McCreary of East Berlin and a brother, Larry McCreary of New Cumberland, as well as 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice, for the efforts and compassion shown to Ron and the family.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Gettysburg, Pa.  www.EwingBrothers.com.