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Ronald A. Christ

November 14, 1933 - June 25, 2014

Text:

Obituary For Ronald A. Christ

November 14, 1933 - June 25, 2014

Christ, Dr. Ronald A.

Age 80, on Wednesday, June 25, 2014, of Jefferson Hills. Professor, and first Varsity Basketball Coach Upper St. Clair High School.

Beloved husband of Marcia E. Christ; father of Leslie (Craig) Stiffler of Bucks County, PA and Joan (Philip) Joson of Upper St. Clair; grandfather of Matthew and Katherine Stiffler and Christopher, Lindsey and Andrew Joson; brother of the late Robert Christ and Shirley Draper. Ron was a 1951 graduate of Baldwin High School and attended Kent State University. He received his B.S. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1955 and his M.A. in 1959, and his Ed. D. from Pennsylvania State University in 1967. His professional career began in Castle Shannon, teaching 5th grade. He then taught 5th and 6th grades in Upper St. Clair School District and was the Principal at Johnston Elementary School in Upper St. Clair at the age of 27. Ron became the Supervisor of all elementary schools in USC from 1963-1969. In 1970, Ron became a Professor at California U. of PA, teaching for 31 years, until his retirement in 2001. At Cal U he taught Research Methods, Tests and Measurements, Various Methods of Teaching in Elementary Schools and supervised student teachers. His total career in education spanned 46 years. In 1957 at the age of 24, Ron became the first boys' varsity basketball coach in the Upper St. Clair school's history. At that time, he was the youngest coach in the WPIAL. Prior to 1957, students had the option after finishing junior high school to attend either Mt. Lebanon, Peters Twp. or Bridgeville High Schools. As their attendance grew, it became obvious that USC had to create their own high school, so in 1957, the freshman class was kept as sophomores and continued until they graduated in 1960.. His four year record was 54 wins and 30 losses. When he became the principal of Johnston Elementary School, he had to resign from his coaching position since the district had the policy that you had to work in the building where you coached. Ron was an avid golfer, playing at Youghiogheny Country Club, where he was a member from 1986-2011. In 2011 he joined Ligonier Country Club. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church since 1983. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2014 in Christ United Methodist Church at 1 PM. If desired, family suggests contributions to Christ United Methodist Church, 44 Highland Rd., Bethel Park, PA 15102 or California University of PA,, 250 University Way, California, PA 15419 or National Kidney Foundation, 3109 Forbes Ave., Ste. 101, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Arrangements handled by the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227.

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Condolences

  • December 11, 2019

    He was such a good man....missed by this former student...

  • December 11, 2019

    Marcia - We heard about Ron having hospice at church and then read about his passing. Our most heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family. Ron was a wonderful, kind man, loved by many. He was principal at Johnston School when I went there and we all loved him. His life story is an inspiration and he will be well remembered by many.

  • December 11, 2019

    Sincere sympathy to The entire Ron Christ family...Eileen Slater

  • December 11, 2019

    Dr. Christ, Thank you for your support and inspiration during my time at California Unioversity and during my student teaching. I will miss you. You have taaught me so much and I have used every bit of it in the 23 years that I have been a teacher. You were an inspiration to all of us. My condolences to your to your family!

  • December 11, 2019

    Deepest sympathies to the family of Ron Christ. Loved seeing him at our 49th - 50th combined USC reunion. I'll always remember him as a great basketball coach, wonderful teacher & a friend. He will be missed. So sorry to hear of your loss. Carol Hannigan

  • December 11, 2019

    My deepest sympathy on the death of Ron. I know all your good memories will help you through this sad time.

  • December 11, 2019

    Dear Marcia & Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Ron was loved by all who knew him. Gary Paul USC HS - '61

  • December 11, 2019

    Dear Marcia & Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Ron was greatly loved by all who knew him. Gary Paul USC HS - '61

  • December 11, 2019

    Marcia, Ron was such a wonderful man and beloved by the Upper St. Clair classes of 1960 and 1961. We were so happy that he took an active part in our reunion planning and the event. He was very special to us. I know he knew that we loved him. Please accept my sympathy.

  • December 11, 2019

    Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family

  • December 11, 2019

    Marcia, My condolences for your loss of your husband. You are in my thoughts & prayers. XO

  • December 11, 2019

    Mrs. Christ, my heart and prayers go out to your family. I am so sorry for your loss.

  • December 11, 2019

    Marcia, You have my deepest sympathy. Your husband was a wonderful man. May God grant you comfort at this difficult time.

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