Ronald Lantz of Lititz, PA, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Many knew him as "Ron" or "Ronnie" and some even called him "R.D." He was larger than life; a true original. You often heard him coming before you saw him as he filled the air with whistling and song. He loved music and never turned down an opportunity to dance. He was one hellofa card player, collector, and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He lived life with fierce determination and loyalty to his family, friends, and country. His family was his world, and he never missed an opportunity to remind them of his love and that he was always there if they needed anything. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled. Remember him smiling and whistling and be sure to use one of the many "Ronisms" he left us with whenever the opportunity arises.

Ron graduated from Athens High School in 1968. He was a resident of Towanda, PA for over 30 years. He was involved in the community as a little league coach and worked at Dupont where he made lifelong friendships. He was an outdoorsman who loved Bradford County, PA; the mountains where he hunted and fished for decades. Ron moved to Lititz, PA in 2009 where he quickly created a new community of friends.

Ron was a proud Vietnam Veteran who served in the 101st Airborne Co E 5/31, 197th Infantry Brigade. He was deployed to Vietnam from August 1969 through August 1970. During his deployment, he rose to the rank of Sergeant and was awarded two Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He was a distinguished marksman and sharpshooter.

He stayed connected to the service through the years as a member of the Towanda American Legion Post 42, where he was a pool and dart league champion. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and served as the Senior Vice Commander and Honor Guard at Post 1463 in Lititz. He also enjoyed his membership in the local OBs club. Later in life, he enjoyed watching sports with his grandson Max. The Chicago Bears and Notre Dame were his favorite teams.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father (Theron Northrup), and brother (Howard Lantz). He is survived by and will be dearly missed by his "4 Aces"- his wife of 54 years, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Jeanne Lantz, daughters Kim Lantz (Brian Turner), Angie Munkittrick (Mark), and Erin Lantz (Darren Livingston) and his four grandchildren Bella Munkittrick, Max Munkittrick, Lucas Livingston, and Lila Livingston, his cousin Sharon Albertson, and his many friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Ron's funeral service at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 on Monday, March 24, 2025. There will be a time of visitation with the family from 2:00 – 3:00 PM. The service will begin at 3:00 PM. Interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville on Tuesday, March 25 at 9:30 AM.

A special thank you to the oncology infusion unit at the Lebanon VA Medical Center who were the heroes in Ron's eyes. Your kindness and compassion will forever be appreciated.