Joseph Ronald "Ronnie" Kertulis

Joseph Ronald “Ronnie” Kertulis went to his lord & savior on December 31, 2024 surrounded by his family.

“Ronnie” was born on June 20th, 1943, to the late Catherine (Rish) and Simon Kertulis of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was one of 9 children.

After school he served in the United States Army from 1961-1967 serving in the Vietnam War. Upon return his family moved to Florida and eventually to Erie, Pennsylvania where he worked as an inspection mechanic for several years. He was a commercial driver for Dodsworth and Lake Erie Trucking companies for 46 years until he retired in 2007. He received numerous safe driving awards during his career. 

While delivering he met the love of his life, Margaret Elder who he married on October 21, 1995, and they blended their family, and he gained his “bonus girls” as he called them.

Ronnie was a hunter, enjoyed 4-wheeler riding with his wife and good friends, he was a antique and classic car enthusiast and a rabid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and NY Yankees. He loved his Johnny cash music, enjoyed playing Call of duty and si-fi movies but most of all he loved spending time with his family. Ronnie was a member of the American Legion in Harrisburg.

He was an amazing man who was “Santa Claus” for many children over the years and his Christmas train set is something his grandchildren loved and will always remember him for.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by four brothers: Robert, Anthony, Edmund, Raymond Kertulis, two sisters Genie Kertulis and Veronica Collins, three grandchildren, Janell Knight, Ashley Bisbee, and Jacob Lutz as well as his son-in-law, Jesse Molina. Also, his most faithful four-legged family members Scruffy and Samson who he adored.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years Margaret, a brother Donald Kertulis, sisters-in-law Patty, Barbara Ellen and Marlee as well as his children, Christine Slone (Scott), Theresa Kertulis and fiancé Ralph, Ronnette Kovacs (Frank), Joseph Kertulis Jr (Kerri), Lisa Henry (Donald), Michelle Duda and good friend Kris Meighen. He is further survived by his grandchildren Jeffrey Flack (Marygail Heinrich), Cody Rossman (Jordan), Jade Johnson (Ben), Danielle Bisbee, Jordan Rossman (Kira Turner), Nicolette Slone, Alexis Gardner (Christian), Adam Kovacs (Jenna), Megan Matson (Steve) and 19 great grandchildren.

The family would like to express their great appreciation to the hospice staff at North East Community nurses, especially to Nick for all his kindness and assistance.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in his name to the North East Community Hospice program.

Family and friends may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East on Saturday, January 4th from 3:00 pm until time of a funeral service at 7:00 pm. Private interment will be held at St. Gregory Cemetery. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.

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