Ronald (Ron) L. Birgensmith, 78, of The Villages, FL, formerly of Hanover, PA, died September 15, 2017 at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Surviving is his wife of 56 years, Susan A. Birgensmith. They were married September 17, 1961 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Hanover, PA. Born February 3, 1939, in Hanover, he was the son of Harold S. Birgensmith and Gladys M. Birgensmith. He graduated from Eichelberger Senior High School in 1957.
A long-time banker beginning his career as a bank teller with the First National Bank & Trust Company, he held multiple loan leadership positions with the National Central Bank, and mortgage officer positions retiring with Susquehanna Community Bank. He was also named to serve as secretary with the Hanover Borough. Ron’s family remembers him as a musician, forming his first band, the Starlighters and then the Clefmen. He was an active member of the Lancers Drum and Bugle Corps and Lyric Band in Hanover, PA and the New Horizons Band and Saxsations in The Villages. Ron was committed to community service, serving as former president of the Hanover Jaycees, former Pennsylvania Jaycees State Chairman and was named as Outstanding Young Man of Hanover. He was a member of the Eagle Fire Company, the Hanover Elks Club, Lake Gaston Lions Club and served many years as a leader with the Boy Scouts. He was an avid golfer, had a love for fishing and the water, was witty and a gentle soul.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. Surviving are three children, Amy Peeples and son-in-law Scott Peeples of Canton, GA, Kathy Coble and son-in-law Robert Coble, Jr. of Winnabow, NC and Andrew Birgensmith of Phoenix, AZ. He was blessed with four grandchildren, Elizabeth Harris, Alan Coble, Lindsey Massengale and Joseph Peeples.
He was a long-time active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Hanover, PA, Lakeside Lutheran Church, Littleton, NC and recently joined Hope Lutheran Church, The Villages.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 1 at Lakeside Lutheran Church, 2427 Eaton Ferry Road, Littleton, NC 27850 with Rev. Russell Campbell officiating. The family will receive friends immediately after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 13940 US Highway 441, Building 200, Suite #205, The Villages, FL 32159 or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 341 N Maitland Ave., Suite 100, Maitland, FL 32751.
