Ronald Lee Barth of Hampden Township, PA, born December 7, 1950, went to be with the Lord August 12, 2025. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Ron was born in Peoria, Illinois, to Jack P. Barth and Barbara T. Barth (formerly Lottman). Ron graduated from Peoria Richwoods in 1968, Bradley University in 1972, and later went on to receive a Masters in Health Administration from the University of Illinois, Springfield.
Ron served as the Acting Associate Director for the State of Illinois Office of Health Regulation before becoming CEO of LeadingAge PA. For nearly 3 decades Ron tirelessly advocated on behalf of, and served the needs of not for profit homes and long term care facilities for senior Pennsylvanians. Countless seniors living in Pennsylvania now enjoy the fruits of his labor. A true giant in the field of senior care, all who worked with him or for him will remember him for his vision, dedication, leadership, and sense of humor. Though stubbornly resolute when he knew he was right or a task needed done, Ron truly cared about people and loved getting to know them.
Though Ron will be remembered by many for his work in senior care, the true passion of his life was his family. He is survived by his wife Candace S. Barth (formerly Bailey), brother Randy, two sons Jason C. and Jesse T., daughter in laws Julie and Megan, and granddaughters Madigan and Meeka. Perhaps no man has ever loved a woman as much as Ron loved Candy. He showed her that love every day of their 53 year marriage as he cared for and supported her. He was an ever present father, and doting grandfather. He loved jazz music, travel, history, and much to his frustration Chicago sports teams.
Ron was a member of West Shore Baptist Church and frequent congregant at Trinity Lutheran Church in Camp Hill. He was also a member of the men’s group the Bumblers. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his dry sense of humor, absolute dependability, and his ever present honest opinions often given at the risk of unpopularity. In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Wounded Warrior Project. A Celebration of Life will be held at West Shore Baptist Church, 2025 Market St., Camp Hill, PA, 17011. on Sunday August 24th. Visitation will begin at 2 PM with a service to follow at 3 PM.
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Barth family.
www.sullivanfuneralservices.com
5 comments on “Ronald Lee Barth”
Enjoyed times with Ron and admired his knowledge, sense of humor, and devotion to his family, especially his beloved wife Candy as she went thru some hard times! Our shared interest in American military history was always a pleasure to me. I will miss him.
Ron will certainly be missed. He was part of my work life for almost 14 years. My sincere condolences to his wife Candy and his entire family. Blessings to you all! Lena Rivera
i’m going to miss smelling the great food Ron had on the grill! i enjoyed our talks in the back yard ! yes Ron lived his family and we will miss you but you will alyays be in our memory! And Ron, thanks for putting up with our crazy parties and never calling the cops! God Bless
Like so many of my senior living colleagues, I will always be grateful for Ron’s leadership, encouragement and counsel.
Mentor. Leader. Visionary. And late in our tenure together, friend.
It was an honor to work under & with Ron in service to seniors and those who provide their care for a decade with PANPHA & then LeadingAgePA. This obituary brought a smile to my face multiple times -as I experienced many of the ‘Ron’s’ that are mentioned. He was truly one of a kind, and cared to his core which as his family notes, didn’t always come through that ‘dry’ & ‘stubbornly resolute’ facade.
Heartfelt condolences to Candy, Jason, Jesse, & their families. Praying that you all find comfort during this difficult time.