Ronald John Kolowitz

Ronald John Kolowitz, “Pappy" 78, Belle Vernon Pa, peacefully passed away at home on Saturday March 7th, 2026, with his family near his side. Ron was born in Allentown Pennsylvania on January 7, 1948. He was the son of the late Harold and Emma (Klingborg) Kolowitz. Ronald graduated high school from Scotland School for Veterans Children (Pa) in 1966 and enlisted in the Navy the same year. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam as an aviation structural mechanic with VA-85. Ron believed in the value of education and took every opportunity to learn as much as he could. Ron earned multiple degrees as he graduated from Greensburg Institute of Technology with a diploma in Architectural Drafting, CCAC with an Associated Degree in Science, California University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor in Arts in Natural Science and a Master of Science in Earth Science. Ron was first employed as sheet metal mechanic and as his career advanced, he became a draftsman, mechanical system designer and design engineer for a number of engineering companies in Pittsburgh. Later, Ron was employed as a Construction Project Manager and worked on projects from Florida to Nova Scotia and from NY to Indiana. Ron was a member of Allegheny Cycling Association and Pittsburgh Velo Club; he participated in bicycle racing for nearly thirty years. Ron participated in the Master National Time Trial Championship four years in a row. He felt the highlight of his cycling was in 2015 when he took part in a 78 mile event with his son Scott in the Rocky mountains of Colorado. Ron averaged 6500 miles a year riding his bicycle and in 2009 he cycled 12,000 miles.

Ron’s interests were about love and connections with his family. He enjoyed and looked forward to fishing with Chris. Bicycling and travel with Scott, and love of higher education and pursuit of professional achievement with Brian. Ron and his wife Carole drove yearly across the country to visit Scott in Colorado and sightsee national parks. Ron also enjoyed playing and coaching ice hockey with Chris, Scott and Brian. Ron said he owed his good fortune and success to the Lord Jesus. Ron is survived by his wife Carole Ann (Musial) Kolowitz with whom they shared 53 years of marriage, marrying on October 7th, 1972. Three sons; Christopher (Michele) Kolowitz of Rostraver Twp, Scott (Danielle) of Helena MT and Brian (Melissa) of Pittsburgh Pa and seven grandchildren; Ben, Olivia, Alex, Eli, Zach, Claire and Issac. Ron is survived by siblings Richard Kolowitz, Edythe Ambeault, Roger Kolowitz, Cheryl (John) Farkas, Robert Steckel.

Visitation will be held Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations, Family Owned and Operated, 626 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon 724-929-6183. Prayers of Transfer will be held Wednesday at 9:30 am in the funeral home followed by funeral mass at 10:00 am at St. Sebastian R.C. Church with the Rev. Michael Thomas as celebrant. Interment will take place in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Blood Cancer United, bloodcancerunited.org.