It is with great sadness that we share our dear father, brother, uncle, and friend, Ron Henry, passed away on November 16th, 2024. Ron may have only lived 63 years, but the impact he made on the lives of those he knew will live on forever.
Ron was born on December 19th, 1960, to Richard and Mary Claudette Henry. One of five children, Ron enjoyed a fun and busy childhood in the Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania. Ron then attended Penn State University, where he discovered a lifelong passion for providing top-notch healthcare and support, starting with the men of the Penn State gymnastics team. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine and a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, completing a thesis on providing healthcare to diverse populations. During his years at PSU, Ron was not just achieving academic success. As a brother of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, Ron made countless memories and formed friendships that remained strong for all his days.
After his years at Penn State, Ron went on to have an incredibly impressive career as a healthcare consultant and executive. In his most recent role, Ron acted as the Administrative Vice President for the Department of Medicine at the University of North Carolina hospital. Ron was well-known for his intelligence, incredible strategic planning and problem-solving skills, and dedication and care for his team and patients. Ron was the epitome of a great leader.
Outside of work, Ron loved all things sports. Ron was a talented athlete himself, competing in countless marathons, biathlons, and triathlons. He also enjoyed watching and playing golf, basketball, and football, especially with his daughter Sarah, who inherited his athletic genes. Ron was a die-hard Nittany Lion, and never missed the chance to watch a Penn State game. Second to his love of the Nittany Lions was his tremendous enjoyment of all Pittsburgh sports teams.
Although Ron battled many health challenges during his life, you would never have known it. Ron was immensely thoughtful, enthusiastic, and never failed to make people laugh. Ron was always there when you needed him, going above and beyond to ensure his loved ones were taken care of without ever expecting anything in return. We will miss his kind heart every day.
Ron is survived by his daughter, Sarah Henry. He adored her completely, and she will miss him tremendously. Ron is also survived by his parents, Richard and Mary Claudette Henry of Pennsylvania, and his four siblings, Rick Henry of Virginia, Kate Henry Palermo (Frank) of Virginia, Maureen Neisess of Maryland, and Jean Henry of Pennsylvania. In his death, Ron rejoined his beloved brother-in-law, Jeff Neisess, whom he missed greatly. Ron was cherished by his nephews, Christoph Neisess and Samuel Neisess, and his niece, Mary Clare Neisess. He will be truly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.
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