Ronald Avillion, 66, of Reedsville and State College passed away on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, at the Atrium at The Village at Penn State. He passed away peacefully with courage, grace and his family by his side.
Born Sept. 9, 1943 in Hazelton, he was the son of Louis and Mildred Avillion. On Sept. 3, 1966, he married Bonnie Egli, who survives him. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Angie Williams and her husband, Patrick Williams, their two children, Teague and Quinn; his daughter-in-law, Kate Barron-Avillion and her son, Gabriel Avillion; a brother, Louis Avillion and his wife, Rita; a sister-in-law, Carol Mickey; a niece, Marsha Stuyvesant and her husband, Lincoln. and their children, Harly and Shea; and a nephew, John Mickey and his wife, Suzi, and their children Mason and Reagan. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wonderful son, Ronald Avillion Jr., who passed away in Nov. of 2007.
Ron was a 1961 graduate of Luzerne High School. He attended Penn State University on a basketball scholarship where he played basketball for Penn State from 1962-1965 under Coach John Egli. To ensure his success on the team, he dated the coach's daughter, Bonnie, whom he married in 1966. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1965 and his Master of Education degree in Higher Education in 1966. Ron retired from Penn State after 31 years working as a conference coordinator and later as director of Continuing and Distance Education. He later joined his wife and son in the real estate profession as a founding member of Keller Williams, Advantage Realty in State College.
He was a co-founder and secretary of the Penn State Hoops Club as well as Leadership Centre County and Community Academy for Life Long Learning (OLLI). Ron served as Exalted Ruler of the State College Elks 1600 and was a member of the Penn State chapter of Theta Delta Chi where he served as an advisor. He was also a member of the Druids, Parmi Nous honoraries and Varsity "S" Club, life-long member of the Penn State Alumni Association. He was a PIAA Basketball official, participated in Habitat for Humanity, Coaches vs. Cancer, and was a member of the Health and Human Development Alumni Board.
Ron was an avid skier, wood worker and stained glass hobbyist. He was also a "gentlemen's farmer" that loved his Ford 8 N tractor. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He treasured his trips to Eagles Mere where he spent hours on the lake with his children, grandchildren and dogs. We will remember Ron for his wonderful hugs, compassion and warmth. Our hope is that both Ron Sr. and Jr. are reunited again and fishing on a beautiful lake somewhere.
A public visitation will be held from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 109 McAllister St., State College. Memorial contributions can be made to The Arboretum at Penn State, 204 Forest Resources Building, University Park, PA 16802, Coaches vs. Cancer, 101 Gardner House, University Park, PA 16802, and the House of Care, 515 W. Beaver Ave., State College, PA 16801.