Ronald Ray Gundy

Ronald R. “Ron” Gundy, age 65, a lifelong New Philadelphia Quaker, community servant, business leader, and friend, died peacefully with his family by his side, Sunday, May 22, 2011 in Aultman Hospital at Canton following a period of declining health.Born in Union Hospital, March 18, 1946, Ron was the son of the late Leo Edward and Doreen (Mennom) Gundy. As a young man, Ron excelled in athletics and worked alongside his father at Gundy Construction. In 1964, he graduated from New Philadelphia High School, an educational environment he strongly supported throughout his lifetime.He then learned the trade of bricklaying and completed a 4-year apprenticeship becoming a journeyman. He joined his family business, which was formed in 1957, as a full-time employee in ’64 beginning as a bricklayer, then a foreman, a superintendent, and ultimately an owner and estimator. In 1991, Ron was named president of Gundy Construction, which transitioned to Benchmark Construction in 1992. He held the title of vice-president and owner at Benchmark until his retirement in 2008.Under the direction of Ron and Len, Gundy Construction and Benchmark Construction built numerous area landmarks including Monroe Mall, Otterbein United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church, Adventure Harley Davidson, Kent State University Tuscarawas, Harts Family Center, the State Highway Patrol Barracks, Investment Partners, the Gundy Building, the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, the Southern District Court in Uhrichsville, the Geib Funeral Center at Dover, and the renovation of Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium and numerous additions to the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory to name a few.Ever patriotic, Ron served in the United States Army, where he and Nancy were stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. Giving back to the community was of paramount importance to Ron. He was actively involved in the New Philadelphia Rotary Club where he became a Paul Harris Fellow. His memberships also included the Quaker Club, the Quarter Milers Club, and RTY, Inc. as a board member. His volunteer efforts as a member of the Friday Night Football Chain Gang began in 1964 and have continued each year since, expanding beyond Friday Nights to each of the 7th, 8th, and 9th grade football games. He rounded out his Quaker support as a Quaker Foundation patron for numerous years.He was honored with the Spirit Award by the New Philadelphia Quaker Foundation in 2009.Ron also had a passion for nature and animals. He enjoyed hunting with his entire family and being outdoors. He also was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan. He never missed watching the draft on television. On November 20, 1964, Ron Bob married his best friend and love, the former Nancy J. “Nan Bob” McHenry, who survives. Together, they shared a lifetime of love, devotion, and adventure. He will also be deeply missed by his brother, Leonard “Len” Gundy and his sister, Susie (Jim) Day, both of New Philadelphia; his sister-in-law, Yvonne (Don) Stine of Freeport; his brother-in-law, Roy (Carol) McHenry of Oklahoma; his former sister-in-law, Jan Gundy of New Philadelphia; and his nieces and nephews, Rindi (Kevin) Wilson of Greenville, SC, Mimi (Justin) Fox of Charlotte, NC, Von Gundy of New Philadelphia, Jenny (Jay) Culler of New Philadelphia, Jackie Day of St. Clairsville, Mark (Corina) Stine, Randy (Tena) Stine and Shelly (Bill) Patterson, all of Freeport.His great-nieces and great-nephews, Annie and Jack Wilson, Lotte and Piper Fox, Leo Culler, Heather, Todd, Danielle, Evan, Dillan Ashley, and Shane Stine, Justin, Courtney, Tyler and Austin Patterson; his cousins, David (Maureen) Chambers of England; his special friends, Ken (Karen) Napier of Zoar; and 4 great-great-nieces and nephews complete Ron’s family.In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his niece, Jessica Day, and his great-nephew, Elijah Stine.Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m. A service celebrating Ron’s life will be held in Otterbein United Methodist Church on Thursday beginning at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. Friends are invited to the church fellowship hall following the committal service where a luncheon will be served by his church family.Memorial contributions in Ron’s memory may be directed to either the Quaker Club, Attn: Tom Farbizo, 248 Front Street S.W., New Phila., O. 44663 or to Otterbein United Methodist Church, 156 Beaver Avenue NE, New Philadelphia, O. 44663 Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home’s website.