Ronald Lubas

RONALD J. LUBAS died on February 1, 2021 in the Reading Hospital after waging a brave fight with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.   Born in Reading on March 22, 1943, he was a son of the late Joseph and Mary (Deska) Lubas.

Ron graduated from Reading High School in 1961 where he would later serve as Principal.   In 1965 he graduated from Bloomsburg College, earning his Bachelor’s degree and that same year was hired by the Reading School District as a teacher of Business Education.   He earned a Master’s Degree in Business Education at Temple University in 1969.  Ron served as a business teacher until 1974 when he became Vice Principal.  In 1984, Ron was named Principal of the school he loved, “The Castle on the Hill”—Reading Senior High School.  He served in that capacity until his retirement in 1999.  During his tenure at Reading High, Ron served as Treasurer of the Reading Education Association and as Vice President of the Reading School District Administrative Association.  After retirement, he became an Adjunct Professor at Alvernia University where he worked as a Supervisor of student teachers for five years.

Ron lived a full, happy life and his family was always his top priority (golf was a close second!).  He regularly golfed with two groups of friends—the Monday Group & the Wednesday Group and thanks go out to all these great bunch of men and their wives for the loving support they gave us during Ron’s illness.

In addition to enjoying a two-month long cross-country trip with his wife, Jan in 2000, Ron traveled to Italy and France with a group of friends.  In 2011, he & his Uncle Ed Deska visited Poland where Ron met both his Deska and Lubas relatives.   One of Ron’s favorite places in the world was Longboat Key, Florida where he and Jan spent 19 years during the winter months.  In Longboat, they formed deep & lasting friendships with many people and attended Christ Church of Longboat Key.   Deepest thanks to the friends at Christ Church, who, along with Rev. Dr. Norman Pritchard and his wife, Joan, who were a source of constant support and prayers during Ron’s illness.   Thanks, too, to our many friends at Covert I & Whitney Beach in Longboat Key.  Ron was a member of West Lawn United Methodist Church and deepest appreciation goes to Rev. Dr. Jeffrey A. Raffauf who provided Ron with spiritual comfort.

Ron is survived by his wife, Jan, who feels so blessed to have shared 23 years of marriage with such a loving, kind, caring and wise man—Ron was her rock!  His three sons, Mike Lubas (Lisa); Mark Lubas (Michele); and Matt Lubas (Teresa) are so grateful to have had such a wonderful Dad who set a fine example for them and upon whom they could always count for wise counsel.  He was also loved & revered by his three step-children: Cliff Hirneisen (Dee); Dan Hirneisen; Lisa Hirneisen and her husband, Andy Pompei.  Ron has two granddaughters:  Emily & Annalise (Mike);   and five grandsons:  Max, Ben & Sam (Mark);  Mason & Carson (Matt).  He has one step-grandson: Craig Hirneisen (Dan).  Craig’s wife, Amanda was Ron’s much appreciated private nurse.   Ron also had three step-granddaughters:  Cassidy, Jessica & Catherine (Cliff).   There are 8 great-grandchildren.  Ron is also survived by his two brothers:  Ken Lubas (Kathy) and Jim Lubas (Lisa) with whom he & Jan shared happy times, especially enjoying their monthly game nights.   In addition, there are many nephews, nieces and cousins.

A private service for immediate family will be held.  In addition, a Celebration of Life for Ron will take place at a later date when weather permits an outdoor gathering.  No flowers please.  Memorial gifts in honor of Ronald Lubas may be directed to support the pancreatic cancer research of Dr. Lei Zheng at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.  Checks payable to Johns Hopkins University, indicating the gift’s designation & mailed to Kimmel Cancer Center; PO Box 17029; Baltimore, MD 21297 or online: https//secure.jhu.edu/form/kimmel.  Please feel free to make a donation in Ron’s honor to your favorite charity.  Bean Funeral Home at 3825 Penn Ave; Sinking Spring, PA is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences can be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.