RONALD ‘RON’ JOHN HOOLAHAN, SR. – Obituary
Ronald “Ron” John Hoolahan, Sr.,of Franklinville N.J passed away suddenly on February 27, 2022 at the age of 66.
The son of David and Janice (Holland) Hoolahan, Ron was raised in Pitman, N.J. He was a 1975 graduate of Pitman High School, where he was a talented athlete in basketball, baseball and football. He was known for his kind demeanor and even referenced as “The Gentle Giant”.
Ron married his high school sweetheart, Julia Ellen, in 1975 and together raised three children, Ronnie, David and Amber.
Ron spent 14 years as a Paraprofessional at Delsea Regional School District, educating, supporting and impacting the lives of hundreds of young people before retiring. Prior to his time at Delsea, Ron spent many years in wholesale flower sales and car sales.
Ron was known for his greatest impact on the community as a football and baseball coach. He loved coaching his children’s sports teams at Franklin Township Little League and Delsea Middle School. He touched the lives of many young people, helping to found the Delsea Middle School Football program, forever leaving a legacy for young athletes to come. He was the first person to make sure all his players had the cleats and gear they needed and always willing to take the extra time to help players grow.
In recent years, Ron’s favorite title was “Pa” to his five grandchildren, Brysen, David Jr., Brynlee, Brooklyn and Chistopher. Ron had a passion for hunting and treasured his trips to the family cabin in Maine and Canada. He enjoyed all things Philly sports and loved spending time watching the games. Ron was also a former member of the Clayton Elk’s.
Ron is survived by his wife of 46 years, Julia Ellen (Hall) Hoolahan, and three children, Ronald John Hoolahan Jr., David Kenneth (Suzanne) Hoolahan, Sr. and Amber Lee (Erik) Hoolahan Burruezo. He is also survived by his three siblings, David (Karen) Hoolahan, Judy Lee (Hoolahan) Owens, and Alan “Bub” (Pam) Hoolahan; brother in laws, Kenny and Roger; uncle Butch (Diane) Holland; grandchildren, Brysen, David Jr., Brynlee, Brooklyn and Christopher. Ron is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews that he adored, cousins and friends.
Ron is preceded by his father, David Hoolahan; mother and father in law, Kenny and Mary Hall; sister in laws, Joyce and Ruthann; brother in law Victor; grandparents, Leo and Julia Holland, John (Jack) and Frances Hoolahan and adored family dog, Mariah.
Family and friends are welcome to join for a viewing on Monday, March 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and are invited to join a celebration of life for Ron following at 11:30 a.m. at Kelley Funeral Home, 125 Pitman Ave, PItman, NJ. Interment to follow at Ferrell United Methodist Church Cemetery. Ron’s family encourages attendees to wear their favorite Philly sports gear or Delsea red in his memory.