Ronald John Oleksa, Sr., 90 of Winchester, VA, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Blue Ridge Care Center.
Ron was born in 1935 in Hazleton, PA, the son of the late John and Elizabeth Oleksa. He graduated from Hazleton High School, Class of 1952 where he spent his time on the football field as quarterback. He then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Penn State University. He served our country for 27 years in the United States Navy, Army and the Air Force Reserves achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. During his time in the Navy, he served in Cuba and during the Vietnam and Korean Wars. While serving, Ron received the DCNG Community Service Ribbon and the Bronze Star. He worked for Amtrak, First Union, WMATA in D.C., 3 years in Antigua with G.E. and retired from Cubic in 2000 but continued to offer his expertise when needed. He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.
Ron was a Horologist – working on clocks and fixing them and was an avid gardener. Ron was very involved with his sons’ playing soccer and coached their teams, known as “Coach O”. He enjoyed singing and dancing with his wife, Karen. Ron was a Penn State alumnus and big-time football and wrestling fan. Ron was known for his unique wit and charisma; he spread joy and humor to everyone he met.
Ron is survived by his wife, Karen nee Saul whom he married on April 22, 1995; daughters, Angela Dove (Mike) of Winchester, VA, Christine Kulinski of Alexandria, VA, Lauren Thomsen (Danny) of Fayetteville, NC; sons, Ronald J. Oleksa II (Amy) of Charlotte, NC, Jason T. Oleksa (Lookmee) of Belton, MO, Paul F. Kulinski (Maureen) of Natick, MA, and Stephen W. Kulinski (Karin) of Alexandria, VA; grandchildren, Michael, Katrina, Stephanie, Colleen, Natalie, Trey, Aiden and Chonnie as well as his sister, Carol Wank of Hazleton, PA.
In addition to his parents, Ron is preceded in death by his brothers, John, and Edmund Oleksa.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Interment will be private. A reception will be held at Omps Recption Center , Amherst Chapel following the mass
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ron to Blue Ridge Care, 333 W. Cork St., Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601.