Ronald Nalewak

RONALD JOHN NALEWAK (Ron) of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, passed away at the Chambersburg Hospital on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 while surrounded by his close family. Ron was born in Shamokin, Pennsylvania on April 18, 1944, to Charles and Isabella Nalewak.


A 1962 graduate of Coal Township High School and known by his nickname “The Neutron Bomb, Ron held the record for most touchdowns scored in a single football game (5) for Coal Township. In High School, Ron excelled as a hard hitting fullback and linebacker where he was the 2nd leading rusher in Pennsylvania, played in the Big 33 football classic, and also achieved All America status. A heavily recruited Division I prospect, Ron accepted a full scholarship and went on to graduate from the University of Maryland with a degree in Education. While at Maryland, Ron played linebacker for the Terrapins football team and lettered in 1964 and 1965.. Following college, Ron played semi-professional football for the Wilmington Clippers, Harrisburg Colts and had a short professional career as a free agent for the Baltimore Colts. Following his professional career, Ron played for and later became the head coach of the Chambersburg Cardinals semi-pro team and later coached for the Shamokin Indians football team. In 1987, Ron was inducted into the Bernie Romanoski chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame. Throughout his adult life Ron was a mentor to many young athletes and most people knew him by the name "Coach".

Ron had many jobs and business endeavors throughout his life, including teacher, salesman, entrepreneur, painter, and fitness trainer to name a few but his lifelong passion was football and his family. Ron enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, who meant the world to him. Ron loved spending his time lifting weights, shooting darts, and playing pool right up until his untimely departure and he will be missed by his family and friends alike.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents John and Isabella Nalewak. He is survived by his Brother, Charles Nalewak. Ron’s legacy is his large close nit family including 7 children: Paula Nalewak, Brenda Gottschalk Nalewak, Jason Nalewak (wife: Stephanie), Jeremy Nalewak (wife: Maryellen), Jennifer Baxter (husband: Rich), Jonathan Nalewak (wife: Cayt), and Jaron Nalewak (wife: Morgan). Ron currently has 12 amazing grandchildren and another on the way!

Funeral services will be private; however, a Celebration of Life Party will be held on December 28, 2019 at The Knights of Columbus Club in Chambersburg, PA where food, drinks, and music will be provided honoring the life of Ron Nalewak from 2pm - 5pm. Please contact Jason (jnalewak@hotmail.com) or Jennifer Baxter (jenniferbaxter02@gmail.com) for a Facebook Event invitation to RSVP.