Ronald A. Meiss, Jr., 1590 Lori Lane, Hermitage, passed away at 2:54 a.m. Tuesday (1-4-11) in UPMC Montefiore Hospital, Pittsburgh, after an extended illness. He was 36.

Ron was born May 8, 1974 in Sharon the only child of Ronald A. Meiss, Sr. and Joyce K. Rosa Meiss.

He was a 1992 graduate of Hickory High School, Hermitage, where he was a standout baseball player and matriculated to Penn State University, Beaver campus before transferring to Duquesne University Pittsburgh, where he earned a bachelors degree in Education. During high school Ron was a four year letterman as a pitcher and third baseman and earned Mercer County first team honors as a designated hitter his senior year. He was also selected to play in the prestigious Keystone Games at Lehigh Valley, PA. Ron played in Jefferson Township for the American Legion team and later with Penn State where he played in the Junior College World Series in Jamestown, New York. He transferred to Duquesne University on a baseball scholarship his junior year and while there earned Athletic Deans list status. Ron received his Masters degree from Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA and was a 5th grade elementary school teacher in the Farrell Area School District for the past thirteen tears. !

He was also a Therapeutic Staff Support Instructor (wraparound) for six years and formerly coached the girl's softball team at Farrell High School. Ron was a member of Our Lady of Fatima-St. Ann Church; the Lions Club; and the Italian Home, all Farrell. He was also a member of the NEA (National Education Association) and the PSEA (Pennsylvania State Education Association). Ron was known as 'The Mayor' in his neighborhood and loved having family and friends over to the house to watch his beloved Pittsburgh Penguins. He was also a fan of the Chicago Bears. Ron, his son and his father enjoyed car shows and looked forward each year to the annual Fathers Day Car Show in Hermitage where they displayed their 1966 Chevelle. Ron was a fun loving and generous man with a big heart who will be dearly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Corrie M. Perretta of New Castle, whom he married July 5, 1997 in St. Bartholomew Church, Sharpsville; his children, Gabriella Elizabeth, age 2; and Parker Jacob, a 5th grade student at Hermitage Elementary, both at home; his parents, Ron and Joyce Meiss, Hermitage; his grandfather, Samuel J. Rosa, a resident of Juniper Village in Sharon; his father and mother-in-law, Michael and Laurel Perretta, New Castle; a sister-in-law, Lacey Perretta, Pittsburgh; his wife's grandparents, George and Phyllis Leone; and Frank Bidinotto, all New Castle; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his grandparents, Genevieve Rosa and Albert and Lucille Meiss.

The family suggests contributions to be made to the Ronald A. Meiss, Jr. Memorial Fund, c/o The Shenango Valley Foundation, 33 Chestnut Ave., Sharon, PA 16146.

Calling hours will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday (1-7-11) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Friends may email condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday (1-8-11) in Our Lady of Fatima-St. Ann Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor, as celebrant.

A brief prayer service will be at 9:45 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home prior to leaving for the church.

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.