Ronald P. Buckreis

September 15, 1950-June 3, 2024

Ronald P. Buckreis, 73, Duncansville, passed away peacefully and entered the heavenly kingdom today after a courageous 5-month battle with esophageal cancer with his wife by his side. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late Fred R. and Edna M. (Dobson) Buckreis. Ron married Mary Raeder on September 23, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Newry.

Ron was a graduate of Altoona High School and served honorably in the military. He joined the Navy upon graduation and was later selected to serve with the Marines as a frontline corpsman in Vietnam. We can only imagine how Ron, literally saved and comforted those during his time in Vietnam.

After his military service, he continued his education at Pennsylvania State University (BSN) and University of Kentucky (MSN) that led to a career in Nursing, Nursing Education and became a Certified Infection Control Nurse. During his career he resided in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Kentucky where he made a difference in many peoples lives and made many friends.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Mary; stepdaughter, Laura Ray (Alan) of Kentucky; step-granddaughters: Katie Seawright of Kentucky and Julie Wilson of Ohio and a step-great grandson, Liam of Kentucky. Also surviving are his brothers: Fred (Becky) of Altoona, David (Carol) of South Carolina, Francis (Sharon) of Beaver, Dennis (Linda) of Texas and Gerard (Betsy) of Florida; his sisters: Carol, Barbara Horton (Howard), Karen Masucci (Marc) all of Altoona and Patricia Yingling of Hollidaysburg; two sisters-in-law: Patricia Hinkle (Buddy) of Olney, Md., Susan DelBorrell (John) of Mt. Airy, Md.; many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends, Steve & Kathy Beauchamp, Larry & Melody Benton and Bill & Pat Hall.

Ron was an avid reader, enjoyed boating and fishing. He liked watching old movies with Mary, anything with history and loved a good burger. Ron enjoyed cooking, traveling to Ocean City, Maryland and cherished time with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed and remembered for his dry wit, telling stories and his gentle and giving manner. His parents welcome him with open arms and a loving heavenly embrace.

His life will be celebrated with visitation from 1-4 pm and 6-9 pm on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 am on Friday, June 7, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 704 Patrick Lane, Newry, PA, Fr. Allen P. Zeth, celebrant. Committal with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Ron’s memory to: St. Vincent DePaul Food for Families, 2201 Union Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16601 OR Miracle League of Blair County, PO Box 1091 Altoona, Pa 16603/ https://pamiracleleague.com/donate.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.