Ronald E. Cline

Ronald E. Cline, Sr., 81, of Avella, passed away on January 16, 2025, unexpectedly at his home. He was born July 31, 1943, son of George and Mary Cline of Avella. Ron graduated from Avella High School on June 2, 1961. Shortly after turning 18, he was hired by J. & L. Steel in Aliquippa, PA, on September 13, 1961. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on his 19th birthday. He graduated from Military Intelligence School and was sent to Seoul, Korea, where he was stationed for two years as an Intelligence Analyst. Ron was honorably discharged as a Specialist 5th Class in May of 1965 and returned home to work at J. & L. Steel where he became an overhead crane operator. In 1966, he met a beautiful girl at a dance and gave her a ride home in his brand new convertible of which he was so proud, but she politely asked him to put the top up so as not to mess up her hair … a story he LOVED to tell over and over. He and Sally were married on July 7, 1969. After the closing of the J. & L. Steel Plant, Ron was hired as a ladle crane operator at Jessop Steel in Washington, where he finished out his career, retiring on his 62nd birthday in 2005. Ron loved to spend time with his wife and family more than anything. His three grandsons were his pride and joy, and he loved vacationing with them at the beach in the summer. He also loved to work in his garden, hunt and fish, and sit on the front porch with Sally, listening to the “oldies” and feeding the birds. He was a proud member of the Avella American Legion #643 as well as the United Steelworkers. Ron is survived by his beloved wife Sally Lee Isenberg Cline; his children Kelly (Kevin) Dunn of Canonsburg, Holly Cline of Seattle, Washington, and Ron Cline, Jr. of Avella; his grandsons, Ronnie, Hunter, and Diesel; his sister, Patricia Tharp of Atlasburg; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents, George and Mary Cline; two brothers, George and James Cline; sister Pearl Tharp; and nephews Jeff Cline and Georgie Cline. Arrangements are private and have been entrusted to William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A funeral service will be conducted at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in the near future.