Ronald Walter Kantra

Ronald Walter Kantra of Lexington, SC, age 88, passed away on August 10, 2024. He was the son of the late Alexander Alfred and Viola Podlewski Kantra. Ron retired from the City of Pasadena, California as a firefighter and EMT with over 24 years of service. During this time, he was also self-employed as a licensed General Contractor and licensed Masonry Contractor in the State of California, originally starting his youthful career as a journeyman bricklayer back in New York. Prior to his disabilities, Ron spent most of his life in the service of his fellow man, always helping neighbors and family, and happily boasting of the 7 babies he brought into this world during his firefighting career. He was a loving, kind, and devoted husband and father, who helped anyone in need. Ron was also a US Army Veteran who loved his county.

Ron was a talented craftsman, boater and fisherman, masonry designer, avid reader, and sportsman. To date, all of his building projects still stand in California unhampered by the earthquakes. During his youth, he was a track star at his high school; his track record at the school was not broken for over 40 years.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Kantra, with whom he celebrated 40 years of marriage earlier this year, and their only son, Sean D. Kantra (and his wife Miriam Mathai). He is also survived by his daughter, Ronelle Peters (Roy); son, Jeffrey J. of California; brother, Robert (Sandra) Kantra of New York; sister, Elizabeth Hammond (Gary); mother-in-law, Rose Derek; brother-in-law, Jonathan Derek from Lexington SC.; four grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and greats.

Ronald was a devout Catholic and long-standing member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

Friends and family will be received at the Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, 503 N. Lake Dr., Lexington, SC., Monday August 19, 2024 between 4-7 pm. The Catholic Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 10 am at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2350 Augusta Hwy., Lexington, SC. We welcome those who knew him to join us in celebrating the beautiful life that he lived.