Ronald E. Mackowiak

Ronald E. Mackowiak, 91, of Dunkirk, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2021, at Nightengale Nursing & Rehab Center in Erie, Pa.

He was born in Dunkirk, May 24, 1930, son of the late Felix and Emilia (Wyszynski) Mackowiak.

He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran having served active duty from 1948-49, and 1950-52. He was a rifle marksman, and also served in administrative roles. During his service duties he was stationed at the Marine barracks at the U.S. Naval Academy in Boston, Mass., as well as at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Before honorable discharge he was promoted to sergeant.

Ron graduated cum laude from Grove City College in 1956, where he majored in accounting and received a Bachelor of Science degree in commerce. At Grove City he enjoyed being part of various organizations including the Delta Iota Kappa fraternity, and the esteemed Scroll and Key Honor Society. His love of numbers took him into a 39 year career with AL Tech Specialty Steel Corp in the accounting department, where he ultimately retired in 1995 as manager of financial planning, budgets and special projects.

Ron spent 17 years as a star softball pitcher, playing in various leagues in Dunkirk. He also loved coaching Little League for seven years. Ron was an active member of St. Hyacinth’s church, and was also a member of the Moose Club. Ron was an avid history buff, and a voracious reader. After reading hundreds of books a year, he managed to master the “Kindle” and enjoyed this technology to further add to his accomplished library. Ron loved to spend time traveling, and planned many family trips each summer, visiting historical parts of the United States and Canada. He was dedicated to his family, and his sense of wit and love of knowledge created many memorable adventures. He always kept up on current trends and surprised his children and grandchildren with his pop culture insights.

Survivors include his loving wife, Barbara (Wlodarek) who, he married on Oct. 19, 1968; a son, Ronald B. Mackowiak of Chula Vista, Calif.; and daughters: Cheryl (Bill) Foley of Tonawanda, and Tara Latona of Hilliard, Ohio. He is further survived by six grandchildren: Michael, Kevin and Kerissa Mackowiak, Brittany Mackowiak, Jonathan Foley and Addison Latona. He also has three great-granddaughters: Viviana, Elena and Camila; as well as several nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Joann (Ianello) Mackowiak; as well as nephew, Scott Kowalski.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 17, at 10 a.m. at Blessed Mary Angela, St. Hyacinth. No visitation will be observed.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his family to support his alma mater, Grove City College.