Ronald Eugene McAnallen, 94, passed away peacefully on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025. Ron is survived by his beloved children, Stephen McAnallen (Janette), Anna Chris Lee (Bryan), Michelle Gulick (James), his treasured grandchildren, Caitlin, Mac, Connor, Ellie, Billy and Seamus, and his great granddaughter, Roxana.
Born in Coylesville, PA, he was the oldest son of Theodore Adolphus McAnallen and Madalynne Rebecca MacDonald and brother to Beverly and Carole McAnallen.
After attending a one-room schoolhouse and graduating from Butler High School, he worked briefly for the local steel mill, then served in the Army during the Korean War. Following his military service in Herzogenaurach, Germany, he worked for the National Security Agency for over 40 years.
In 1955, he married the love of his life, JoAnn, whom he met on a blind date while working in Washington, D.C. They had their first son and continued to build their family by adopting their daughters through Catholic Charities. Ron and JoAnn enjoyed 57 years of hosting family holidays, birthdays, numerous celebratory milestones and Sunday dinners, creating lifelong memories and deep bonds with grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. They traveled the world together, moved 17 times, immersing themselves in new cultures, new communities, and savoring shared experiences before JoAnn’s life ended tragically.
His career at NSA spanned 41 years, where he enjoyed roles in Japan, Germany, Vietnam, the Pentagon and Ft. Meade. Upon retirement, he and JoAnn relocated to Bethany Beach, DE.
Ron always gave back to his community. He was a founding member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Laurel, MD, as well as CCD director and teacher. One of his most meaningful roles was coaching little league baseball and middle-school basketball.
Ron was an athlete and a dedicated sports enthusiast. He was an avid runner, participated in marathons around the world, loved to play tennis, racquetball, handball, softball, and most especially, golf. He loved walking in his bare feet, tending his vegetable garden, listening to jazz and piano music, ice cream, JoAnn’s cooking, crossword puzzles, and time with his family.
Above all, Ron was a cherished family man. He was always there for his children and grandchildren, providing encouragement and support. His family has lost so much without him, but is forever grateful and blessed to have such an amazing person in their lives for 94 years.
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