Ronald E Lintner

Ronald E. Lintner Ronald E. Lintner, 61, of Franklin, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 31st, at 5:40 p.m. at Sugar Creek Station, following a three month illness. He was born in New Brighton, PA, December 5, 1948 to the late Edward N. and Marguerite Kelvington Lintner. Ron attended the New Brighton schools and graduated from New Brighton High School in 1967. He then attended the Community College of Beaver County, and graduated in 1969 with an Associates Degree in Drafting and Design. Because Ron had such a strong allegiance to his country, he enlisted in the US Army November 13, 1969. He received 11 weeks of training as a Communication Center Specialist, before being deployed to Vietnam as part of the US Army Signal Corps. Few people know that after his first tour of duty, he spent a few months working on a ranch in Australia before re-enlisting. Ron attained the rank of Specialist 4th Class as part of the First Cavalry Division, and the 528th Ammunition Battalion while serving in Vietnam. During that time, he received the following awards: National Service Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, 2 Overseas Bars, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Marksman Badge M-16 with Rifle Bar, Expert Badge Hand Grenade with Grenade Bar, and the Sharpshooter Badge M-14 with Rifle Bar. Due to service-connected injuries incurred in Vietnam, Ron was transferred to Valley Forge General Hospital, where he was honorably discharged on February 15, 1972. Soon after his discharge, Ron was hired by PennDOT in Franklin, and worked there for over 30 years in the Finals Unit, and as a construction inspector out in the field. He retired from PennDOT in June 1999. While attending the First Baptist Church in Franklin, Ron met his future bride, Beverly Godwin, and they were married there on May 9, 1986. They would have celebrated their silver wedding anniversary next spring. Ron was a very patriotic man, who loved his country and was very proud of the time he served his country in the army. For a number of years he was active in the following veteran's organizations: Disabled American Veterans Tri County Chapter # 67 (past Commander and Treasurer); Jesses Greer VFW Post #1835; and the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard (past Treasurer) as one of the original veterans involved in forming this organization. Ron also had a heart for young people, and in the mid 80's joined the steering committee to bring "Youth for Christ" to this area. He served on the Board of Directors for a few years, and then as a volunteer, working with the youth. Ron's many talents included cross-stitching baby quilts for nieces and nephews, and baking wonderful Christmas cookies. But most people remember him as "Santa Claus". He and Bev entertained countless children as Santa and Mrs. Claus for many years, spending late nights on Christmas Eve helping families celebrate the holiday. He was truly Santa at heart. Ron is survived by his wife, Beverly, his brother Gary B. (Debbie) Lintner of Coopersburg, PA, his mother-in-law, Ruth W. Godwin, of New Castle, PA, two sisters-in law and their husbands, Shirley (Bill) Braatz of Highland, Michigan, Karen (Dan) Monaco of New Castle, PA, and his brother-in-law, Glenn (Denise) Godwin from Beaver Falls, PA. He is also survived by his two special golden retrievers, Winston and Molly, and many nieces and nephews. Ron had a large circle of friends, and those who counted him as family were Shawn and Karen Reed of Pittsburgh, , and Bill and June Chekanowsky and family of Franklin. Ron was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Lawrence C. Godwin. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 3, and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 4 at the Gardinier Funeral Home Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday, November 5 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Mike Wells and Pastor John Yergen from the First Baptist Church in New Castle, PA, officiating. Interment will follow in Graham Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association - 300 Penn Center Blvd, Ste. 700, Pittsburgh, PA 15235-5507 and/or the V.E.T. S. Honor Guard - 411 Ninth Street, Franklin Pa 16323. On-line condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.