Ronald Alfred Strawley
Ronald Alfred Strawley, 80, of Charlottesville, Va., died on June 30, 2023 at University of Virginia Medical Center. He was born June 23, 1943 in Philadelphia and was the son of the late Eleanor Boon and Alfred Marlin Strawley. He was a loving husband to Brenda Nelson Strawley and a devoted dad to Karah Nelson Strawley. Also surviving are a beloved uncle, Raymond Boon, and many wonderful cousins and their families.
Ron received a bachelor’s degree from West Chester (PA) University, a master’s degree from Penn State (where he met and married Brenda), and a PhD from University of Virginia. He was a licensed professional counselor and practiced at Horizon House in Philadelphia, with the Delaware Department of Corrections, and at Garnett Center in Charlottesville, Va. He ended his career as executive director of Lafayette School and Treatment Center in Charlottesville, Va.
Ron was a loyal and enthusiastic fan of all Philadelphia sports, but in particular the Phillies and the Eagles, Penn State football, University of Virginia football, and University of Virginia men’s and women’s basketball. He loved watching games!
There were many canine companions for Ron throughout the years: Rowdy, Tymber, Brownie, Rascal, Stormy, and Summer. But he was closest with Rain, our third golden retriever, who we lost just a few months ago.
We will miss Ron’s sense of humor, his thoughtfulness, his support, and his cooking. He was quite the chef! We will also miss his collection of favorite t-shirts, all revolving around his love of sports and golden Retrievers. He wore those t-shirts even when they had turned to rags!
When his time came, Ron approached it with dignity and strength. He was so appreciative of everyone at University of Virginia Medical Center who cared for him during his last days. He felt he was fortunate to be in a hospital with such compassionate and skilled individuals.
Ron will be forever missed.
Donations in Ron’s memory can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org), an organization Ron felt strongly about. His father served our country in World War II, participating with the Army Eighth Air Force in the European Theater of Operations.
