Ronald J. Tanney

Ronald J. Tanney, 79, of Mount Carmel, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Geisinger Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on December 2, 1945 in the former Shamokin State Hospital, Coal Township, Ron was the son of the late James and Clara Tanney. A lifelong resident of Centralia and Mount Carmel, he graduated from Mount Carmel Area High School in 1964 and went on to dedicate his professional life to public service, retiring as a Legislative Aide for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His work was marked by integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to the people he served.

On September 16, 1967, Ron married Kathryn Ann Strunk at St. Ignatius Church in Centralia. Their marriage of nearly 58 years was a testament to enduring love, mutual respect, and shared devotion to family and community. Together, they raised two sons, Ron and Jason, and built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and generosity.

Ron was a man of faith and a devoted member of Our Lady’s Church in Mount Carmel, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. His faith guided his actions and inspired his lifelong dedication to helping others. He was also a proud member of several organizations that reflected his values and heritage, including the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Girardville, the Knights of Columbus (4th Degree), and the Centralia Fire Company.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn Ann; his sons, Ron of Mount Carmel and Jason (Jenn) of Mechanicsburg; and his treasured grandchildren, Patrick and Julia Tanney, who brought him immense pride and joy.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his mother- and father-in-law, Anna and Francis Strunk, as well as his brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Cathy Tanney.

Ron’s legacy is deeply rooted in service. He was a tireless advocate for youth in the community, coaching numerous baseball, basketball, and softball teams, and serving as a leader in Boy Scouts Troop 174. He believed in the power of mentorship and took great joy in guiding young people to grow in confidence and character.

An avid outdoorsman, Ron found peace and camaraderie in the outdoors. He cherished time spent at his cabin (R-Camp) in Coudersport, where he hunted, fished, and shared stories with lifelong friends. He was especially fond of hunting with his buddies at the Spirit of 76, where bonds were forged and memories made.

Ron was also a passionate sports fan, cheering faithfully for the Philadelphia Phillies, the Eagles, and Notre Dame football. Whether watching a game or preparing a meal, he brought enthusiasm and heart to everything he did. Known for his love of cooking, Ron loved preparing meals for family, friends, neighbors, and community, always ready with a warm meal and a generous spirit.

Among his many contributions, Ron was the founder of the Mount Carmel Celebration of Special Athletes, a cause close to his heart. His dedication to creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with special needs left a lasting impact on the community. In recognition of his decades of service, Ron was honored with the Fred Piermattei Award in 2009, a reflection of the deep respect and admiration he earned throughout Northumberland County.

He also served as a past member of both the Mount Carmel and Centralia Borough Councils, where he worked to improve the lives of his neighbors and uphold the values of his hometown.

Ron lived a life of purpose, generosity, and unwavering devotion to others. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, the community he helped shape, and the family he loved so dearly. He will be remembered not only for what he did, but for who he was a kind, humble, and selfless man whose presence made the world a better place. #143

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 4, 2025 at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church with Very Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Karwacki, Pastor as the celebrant. Interment will follow in Saint Ignatius Cemetery, Centralia. A visitation will be held on Monday morning from 8:30 am until 10:45 am at Joseph J. Stutz, Inc. Funeral Home, 40 South Market Street, Mount Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz III, Supervisor. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, 47 South Market Street, Mount Carmel, PA 17851 or to your favorite charity. To offer condolences to Ron’s family, please sign the guestbook below.