Ronald E. Dries

Ronald Everett Dries passed peacefully from this life to the presence of his Savior on June 29, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 19, 1934, to Brigadier Henry AIbert Dries and Viola Mae (Thornhill) Dries, in Perth Amboy, N.J. The son of Salvation Army officers, he came to an early knowledge of God and trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior at a young age.

Ronald married the love of his life, Iris Manning, on June 25, 1955. After an accomplished 30-year career at Bell Telephone, Ron spent several years serving people in need as director of the Western Pennsylvania Salvation Army Service Unit program. 

Ronald dearly loved spending time with his family, playing the trumpet, and telling jokes. His greatest passion was sharing the Gospel with everyone he met. Throughout his life, he served the Church in many capacities, including as an elder and Sunday school teacher.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 68 years, Iris (Manning) Dries; his children Marjorie Hilliard and husband, Mark of Traverse City, Mi., Thomas Dries and wife, Cynthia (Ishii) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, David Dries of Pittsburgh, Pa., Rev. James Dries and wife, Lori (Vidil) of Milton, Pa., and Elizabeth Sapelli and husband, Michael of Duquesne, Pa.; his dearly beloved grandchildren Lisa Kitchens, Michele Cassell & husband Benjamin, Michael Hilliard & wife Ellie/Xiao Fang, Christopher T. Dries and wife Anita, Rachel Dries, Shawna Dries, Christopher J. Dries and wife Sarah, Jennifer Monaghan and husband Kevin, Rebekah Dries, Joshua Dries, Daniel Sapelli and wife Roseanne, Rebekah Sapelli, Andrew Sapelli, and Timothy Sapelli; great-grandchildren Gabrielle, Tristan, Nathan, Elijah, Iris, Rachel, Emberleigh, Daniella, Josiah, Kayla, Jeremiah, Jonathan, Connor, Mackenzie, Avery, Ryann, Bennett, Gwendolyn, and Eliana; and great-great-grandchildren Ivory and Daisy. Ronald is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Major Gertrude (Höhn) Dries of Georgia, Vt., and Anne (Beeghly) Manning of Bruceton Mills, W. Va., as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ronald was predeceased by his sister Lillian Madsen, brothers Howard Dries and Major Robert Dries, brother-in-law Niel Manning, and grandson Nathan Sapelli. 

A memorial service celebrating Ronald's life will be held at First Free Church, 4001 University Drive, McKeesport, on Thursday, July 13th, at 11 am.

ln lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Free Church. - www.myfefc.org