Ronald Desellems

AUSTINTOWN - Prayers will begin Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, for Ronald DeSellems, 82, who died peacefully Sunday morning at Austintown Healthcare Center.

Ronald was born Oct. 29, 1936, in North Charleroi, Pa.; the son of Russell and Mary Ellen (Blacka) DeSellems.

He was a graduate of Charleroi High School and Traffic and Transport School and attended the University of Pittsburgh.

Ronald worked as a general supervisor for General Motors for 30 years. After retiring, he worked at the Frank Sherman Company as an office manager for ten years.

His Catholic faith was an important part of his life as he was a very devoted member of St. Joseph Church.

Ronald was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, who served his country during the Korean War.

In his spare time, Ronald enjoyed playing softball, basketball at Wedgewood Park, playing cards and traveling the world with his wife. He also loved cheering on the Fitch Falcons and was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan!

Ronald is survived by his wife, the former Mary Murphy, whom he married April 27, 1957; daughter Shelley (Chuck) Sakely; two sons, Chris (Diane) DeSellems of New Jersey and Jim (Mary Kay) DeSellems of Las Vegas; seven grandchildren, Brett Fidram, Courtney Fidram, Kelsey Sakely, Christopher DeSellems, Matthew DeSellems, Tommy DeSellems and Jenna DeSellems; and a great-grandson, Tyler.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, who raised him, Earl and Pearl Blacka; son Ronald Earl DeSellems; and brother Russell DeSellems.

Family and friends may call Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Ronald’s family would like to thank the staff at Austintown Healthcare Center for their care and compassion given to Ronald during his stay.

They have requested that material tributes take the form of donations to the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, 962 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Youngstown, OH 44510.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com  to send condolences to the family.