Ronald E. Gafner, 73, of Neilltown, passed away at home with family at his side on Friday afternoon January 2, 2015.

Ron was born on February 2, 1941 at Kane, PA, a son of the late Miner and Evelyn Warren Gafner. He was raised and educated in Pleasantville and was a graduate of the Pleasantville High School, class of 1959.

Ron worked as a vacuum melt induction furnace operator at Cytemp Specialty Steel Corp. in Titusville for over 27 years until its closing. He was then employed at National Forge in Irvine, PA for an additional eight years from where he retired.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors. He was a former member of the Alleghany Sultans Local Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and of the Pennsylvania Bass Federation. His quick wit and sense of humor will always be remembered.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Kerr Gafner; two sons, James E. Gafner and wife Robin of Centerville and Randy J. Gafner and wife Hope of Pleasantville; two grandchildren, Kasie Gafner of Morgantown, WV and Randa Gafner and her fiancée Shane McCleary of Butler, PA; two brothers, Larry D. Gafner and wife Beverly of Erie, and Gary Gafner and wife Susan of Titusville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Richard Gafner.

Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St. Titusville on Monday from 7 to 9 PM. Further visitation will be held on Tuesday at the funeral home from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at which time the funeral service will be conducted with Pastor Phil Taylor of Grace Fellowship Church officiating.

Interment will be in Union Cemetery.

The family asks that memorials be made to Venango County Hospice VNA Foundation 491 Allegheny Blvd. Franklin, PA 16323 or to the Pleasantville Volunteer Fire Dept. 157 State St. Pleasantville, PA 16341.

To send condolences visit garrettfuneralhomeinc.com.