Rev. Dr. Ronald S. McElwee

Rev. Dr. Ronald Smethers McElwee passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024 in Chambersburg, PA. He was born June 22, 1943 in Berwick, PA to Richard and Mary (Smethers) McElwee.

Ron graduated from Camp Hill High School in 1961. He later earned his bachelor’s degree from Lycoming College in 1971, a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York in 1974, and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew University School of Theology 1986. He also attended the Hebrew Union College Biblical and Archaeological School in Jerusalem, Israel.

Ron married the former Gloria Brown of Harrisburg on May 4, 1980.

He started his working life at a bank and for the state before being licensed for ministry in the Methodist Church in 1968, and later ordained in the United Methodist Church in 1972 and 1975.

He served the following churches in the former Central Pennsylvania Conference: Picture Rocks Charge, Roxbury Charge (twice), Burnham Yoked Parish, Llyswen Altoona, Park Avenue Chambersburg, Bedford, Calvary York, Grace Mechanicsburg, Bethany York, Calvary Lemoyne, and South Williamsport Larger Parish, before retiring from active ministry in 2005 and re-retiring in 2013. For 18 years he was the executive secretary of the Student Aid Fund of the conference, and a member of the Chi Rho Singers clergy choir. He also served on the Lycoming College Alumni Executive Board.

Ron is survived by his wife of 44 years Gloria of Chambersburg, PA; daughter Brenda Pulaski and husband Joseph of Harrisburg, PA; son Rev. David McElwee and wife Samantha of Clearfield, PA; grandchildren, Joseph and Nathan Pulaski, and Abigail and Andrew McElwee; and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother Richard; sisters Mary Louise Hartman and Patricia Russo; and grandson Jacob Pulaski.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM, Wednesday, December 18, 2024, in Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 125 Park Ave, Chambersburg, PA 17201 with Pastor Bruce Levy officiating. A committal service will take place at 2:00 PM in St. John’s Cemetery, 4605 E. Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.  

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM in the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home as well as from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM in the church Wednesday morning.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Park Avenue United Methodist Church in Chambersburg, or the Student Retention Fund at Lycoming College.

Online condolences may be expressed at geiselfuneralhome.com.