Ronald Arno Bretschneider's Obituary
Ronald Arno Bretschneider, 75, passed away on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at his residence in Richardsville, Virginia. He was surrounded by his beloved family after a valiant battle against COPD. Ron was the husband of Verna Mae Bretschneider, the love of his life. Together they shared 53 years of marriage.
Born in Passaic, New Jersey, on November 2, 1942, he was the son of the late Albin and Ilsa Bretschneider. He graduated from Clifton High School in 1960 and attended Fairleigh Dickinson University for several semesters before transferring to Bergen Tech and completing his State Boiler Fireman’s License. Upon graduating, Ron started his career with Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Corporation serving them in several capacities in New Jersey, Louisiana, and Texas before settling at the Transco Plant 180 in Unionville, retiring in 2000. Throughout his career he was a Maintenance Technician, Plant Foreman, Superintendent, and District Manager.
Ron proudly served his country as a part of the United States Navy. He was aboard the USS Essex during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was an excellent craftsman and worked making furniture, refinishing many pieces displayed throughout the home. He enjoyed working around his property and spending time with his wife creating elaborate landscapes for the family to enjoy. He was very community minded and served as President of the United Way, a Boy Scout leader for Troop 168 for many years. He was also a Lifetime member of Reva Volunteer Fire and Rescue and of Richardsville Volunteer Fire and Rescue.
Ron is survived by his wife Verna Mae, son Ryan Walter and his wife Marianne, as well as the greatest joys in his life, grandsons Landon and Carter. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Richard Fox, Thomas Fox and wife Marcella, and John Fox and wife Svetlana as well as nieces Wendy, Hosanna, Clarissa, LeAnna, Harmony, Theresa, and nephews Noah, William, and John James. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Walter and Frank.
It was Ron’s desire and wish to not have any funeral or memorial service but to have only a private service for immediate family. Any memorial contributions wanting to celebrate his life and legacy can be made to Boy Scout Troop 196, 1200 Old Rixeyville Road, Culpeper, VA 22701 or your local volunteer rescue squad.
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