Obituary for Ronald A. Fiehrer
Of Upper Saint Clair, PA passed away on Monday, November 7, 2022, at the age of 87. After several months of declining health, Ronald died peacefully with his beloved wife Colleen and his children by his side.
Ronald was born in Hamilton, Ohio on November 19, 1934, to father Lucian Fiehrer and mother Ursula Ruhlman Fiehrer. Ron was the middle of three sons. He attended St. Ann’s Parochial School and Hamilton Catholic High. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Dayton.
Following graduation, Ron married the love of his life Colleen, also from Hamilton, OH in June 1957. Soon after their nuptials, the newlyweds headed to Pensacola where Ron began his flight training in the United States Navy. Ron was stationed in NAS in Key West where he served as a certified Naval Aviator and an anti-submarine warfare helicopter pilot. He served on President Eisenhower’s detail. Lieutenant Fiehrer was once assigned to a carrier in the Atlantic, to retrieve a capsule during the NASA Project Mercury space program.
Following his naval commitment, Ron returned to Hamilton where he started his second career in the paper industry. Ron was incredibly well respected and legendary in this field.
The paper industry provided the opportunity for Ron and Colleen to attend the Summer Olympics twice, 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta. And for Ron to test his skills hunting pheasant in Georgia and fishing for salmon in Canada.
The paper business took the family from Chillicothe to Dayton to Nashville, and back to Dayton for a short period. The family moved to Upper St. Clair in 1973 where they saw their children graduate high school and then, Ron and Colleen made a final career move to the Chicago area in 1990.
When their children were young, Ron joined an amazing group of families from Dayton, OH and “raced” to Indiatlantic, FL. He created lifelong memories for his family of fish fries, gin rummy and beach parties, and developed lifelong friendships.
When his children became involved in competitive swimming in Nashville, he became an official starter for Junior Olympic meets in the Southeastern Conference.
Ron had a passion for golf. He had two holes-in-one and enjoyed rounds at Pebble Beach, Spyglass, as well as on links courses in Ireland. He and Colleen were able to be patrons at The Masters a few times and hear the roars. Ron and his wife spent winters in the Bonita Springs area playing “golf with friends” and boating.
He returned to Upper St. Clair, PA with his wife in 1998 and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. On any sunny day, they could be found walking their vizsla along the Montour Trail, while avoiding the water dripping through the National Tunnel. And on any evening they could be found dining in their favorite place, St. Clair Country Club.
If you were lucky enough to be with Ron at 5 pm, he happily offered you a beverage and an opportunity to spend time sharing conversation.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Colleen Cooney Fiehrer; children Michael Fiehrer, wife Sandy and grandchildren Kelsey and Alex; Emily Fiehrer Miller, husband Bob and grandchildren Taylor, Brynne (Jack) Klinker, Connor (Deniz Kalaycioglu), and Hunter (Allie); daughter Sarah Tomiczek and husband Paul and grandchildren Paul (Kalie), Tori (Michael) Johnson, Brian and Andy (Alex); Son Matthew Fiehrer and wife Michelle and grandchildren Michael, Madison (Eben) George and Maxwell. Son Peter Fiehrer and grandchildren Cassidy and Francesca. Ron has four great grandchildren, Rainy, Jeannette, Hoban and Vivianne. And he has two surviving brothers, Kenneth (Marlene) Fiehrer of Ohio and Daniel (MaryAnn) Fiehrer of Montana and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Ronald is planned for Thursday, December 1, 4-7pm at BEINHAUERS, 2828 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA. A Funeral Mass will be held to honor Ron on December 2, 11am at Resurrection Parish, St. John Capistran Church, Upper St. Clair, PA. Burial immediately following the Mass at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Washington County, Cecil Township, PA.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Ronald’s memory can make donations to Resurrection Parish (St. John Capistran Church), Upper St. Clair, PA or to the charity of your choice in his honor. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.
Ronald was born in Hamilton, Ohio on November 19, 1934, to father Lucian Fiehrer and mother Ursula Ruhlman Fiehrer. Ron was the middle of three sons. He attended St. Ann’s Parochial School and Hamilton Catholic High. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Dayton.
Following graduation, Ron married the love of his life Colleen, also from Hamilton, OH in June 1957. Soon after their nuptials, the newlyweds headed to Pensacola where Ron began his flight training in the United States Navy. Ron was stationed in NAS in Key West where he served as a certified Naval Aviator and an anti-submarine warfare helicopter pilot. He served on President Eisenhower’s detail. Lieutenant Fiehrer was once assigned to a carrier in the Atlantic, to retrieve a capsule during the NASA Project Mercury space program.
Following his naval commitment, Ron returned to Hamilton where he started his second career in the paper industry. Ron was incredibly well respected and legendary in this field.
The paper industry provided the opportunity for Ron and Colleen to attend the Summer Olympics twice, 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta. And for Ron to test his skills hunting pheasant in Georgia and fishing for salmon in Canada.
The paper business took the family from Chillicothe to Dayton to Nashville, and back to Dayton for a short period. The family moved to Upper St. Clair in 1973 where they saw their children graduate high school and then, Ron and Colleen made a final career move to the Chicago area in 1990.
When their children were young, Ron joined an amazing group of families from Dayton, OH and “raced” to Indiatlantic, FL. He created lifelong memories for his family of fish fries, gin rummy and beach parties, and developed lifelong friendships.
When his children became involved in competitive swimming in Nashville, he became an official starter for Junior Olympic meets in the Southeastern Conference.
Ron had a passion for golf. He had two holes-in-one and enjoyed rounds at Pebble Beach, Spyglass, as well as on links courses in Ireland. He and Colleen were able to be patrons at The Masters a few times and hear the roars. Ron and his wife spent winters in the Bonita Springs area playing “golf with friends” and boating.
He returned to Upper St. Clair, PA with his wife in 1998 and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. On any sunny day, they could be found walking their vizsla along the Montour Trail, while avoiding the water dripping through the National Tunnel. And on any evening they could be found dining in their favorite place, St. Clair Country Club.
If you were lucky enough to be with Ron at 5 pm, he happily offered you a beverage and an opportunity to spend time sharing conversation.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Colleen Cooney Fiehrer; children Michael Fiehrer, wife Sandy and grandchildren Kelsey and Alex; Emily Fiehrer Miller, husband Bob and grandchildren Taylor, Brynne (Jack) Klinker, Connor (Deniz Kalaycioglu), and Hunter (Allie); daughter Sarah Tomiczek and husband Paul and grandchildren Paul (Kalie), Tori (Michael) Johnson, Brian and Andy (Alex); Son Matthew Fiehrer and wife Michelle and grandchildren Michael, Madison (Eben) George and Maxwell. Son Peter Fiehrer and grandchildren Cassidy and Francesca. Ron has four great grandchildren, Rainy, Jeannette, Hoban and Vivianne. And he has two surviving brothers, Kenneth (Marlene) Fiehrer of Ohio and Daniel (MaryAnn) Fiehrer of Montana and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Ronald is planned for Thursday, December 1, 4-7pm at BEINHAUERS, 2828 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA. A Funeral Mass will be held to honor Ron on December 2, 11am at Resurrection Parish, St. John Capistran Church, Upper St. Clair, PA. Burial immediately following the Mass at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Washington County, Cecil Township, PA.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Ronald’s memory can make donations to Resurrection Parish (St. John Capistran Church), Upper St. Clair, PA or to the charity of your choice in his honor. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.