West Middlesex, PA - In loving memory of Ronald Lee "Ron," "PaPa" and "Chief" Preston, 81, who departed this life on Sept. 17, 2025, at his home on Garfield Street, West Middlesex, where he was both raised and lived in later years, comforted by the presence of his loved ones.

He was born March 30,1944, the son of Richard Paul "Pap" Preston and Betty Jane Kennedy Preston. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and community leader, Ron lived a life marked by service, integrity, and love.

Ron graduated from West Middlesex High School with his class in 1962. He attended college at Panhandle A and M in Oklahoma and graduated with his bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University.

Following graduation, he honorably served in the military for six years as a corporal in the Army National Guard.

On July 7, 2007, he married his soulmate, Brenda Lee Kelly Preston. Their love story began in the jelly aisle of Black's grocery store, where a simple interaction sparked a bond that grew into a lifetime of unwavering love and devotion.

Ron's professional journey was a testament to his commitment to service and community; from when he was a funeral home assistant at Cunningham Funeral Home as a young man, his first law enforcement job as a police officer with the West Middlesex Borough Police Department, and then a pump tender in the hot mill at Sharon Steel Corporation.

His heart remained with law enforcement, where he served his community as chief of police at Shenango Township Police Department for 25 years; and administrative detective sergeant at Southwest Regional Police Department. He retired in May of 2012.

He continued to serve his community as armed security at West Middlesex Area School District following retirement.

Ron was a loyal and active member to many organizations.

He was a New Castle Consistory member of Masonic Lodge 389 for more than 50 years, a West Middlesex

Kiwanis Club member for more than 50 years, serving two terms as president, was an F.O.P. member for more than 50 years; was a Mercer County Chief of Police, serving two terms as president; and was a lifetime West Middlesex Presbyterian Church member who served on session.

Ron is survived by his devoted wife, Brenda, and his mother-in-law Diana Lee Kelly, who live at the residence; his children, Becky (Tom) Quarterson, West Middlesex; Amber Wellner and Derek Jeziorkowski, Greenville; Brielle (Nathan) Sunderman, New Wilmington; Megan Kelly, Fort Myers, Fla.; and Anthony (Rachael) Kelly, Grove City; nine grandchildren, Amanda (Kyle) Wimer, Jay (Karina) Quarterson, Dalilah Jeziorkowski, Jeremiah Jeziorkowski, Noah Sunderman, Carter Sunderman, Luke Sunderman, Hudson Sunderman and Simon Sunderman; two great-grandchildren, Ayla Wimer and Rosalie Quarterson; and his brother-in-law, Richard Clark.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his three brothers, Tom, Dick and Paul; and one very close sister, Nancy Preston Clark, as well as Ron's labrador retriever, Chassie Lee.

With heartfelt gratitude, we extend our thanks to the amazing staff at Gentiva Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Ron as well as his amazing caregiver, Josh Burns.

PRESTON

Ronald Lee, 81, West Middlesex.

Visitation: 7 p.m. until the service Monday (9-22-25) at the SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 3126 Main St., West Middlesex.

Funeral service: 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Tom Wilson will officiate.

Interment: Haywood Cemetery, West Middlesex.