Ronald Arthur Ghrist

Ron was born in McKeesport, PA, to parents, Lawrence and Helen (Poko) Ghrist. He graduated from Pennsbury High School in 1966. Ron continued his education, graduating from Pierce Junior College and then went on to graduate Rider College with a degree in Accounting. Ron went on to establish a life-long career as a(n) Certified Public Accountant and Registered Municipal Accountant, working for Groendyke and Company. In 1993 he and several partners bought the firm and renamed it Groendyke Associates PC. Years later he moved on to become CMFO of East Windsor and Wrightstown Municipal Authorities in New Jersey. During his career he worked with many school boards and municipalities throughout New Jersey, faithfully serving and maintaining relationships with many of his clients for well over 50 years. He was well respected by his peers and often sought after for his testimony and expertise in the field. He was a member of the NJ Society of Certified Public Accounts and served as a past president of the Mercer Chapter. He had planned to finally retire in February of 2025.

He loved watching sports. When his children were younger, he didn’t miss a game and later when his grandson played sports, especially baseball, he and his late wife Jan could always been seen sitting on the sidelines.

Ron was a loyal husband, father, grandfather and friend. He met his wife, Jan, in high school and the two were married for nearly 55 years. Ron was broken hearted when she suddenly passed away in 2023.

He loved spending time with his grandson, Ryan. The two of them often went out to enjoy a steak dinner together. He was so proud of him.

Ron was a diehard Philadelphia sports fan his entire life. He loved attending Flyer’s games with his son.

He loved to travel. He enjoyed many vacations to Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and Florida with the family. He was proud that he had visited 48 states in the US. He most recently enjoyed a trip up to Upstate New York to visit his brother and family.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, James and Helen (Poko) Ghrist; his wife, Jan Ruck Ghrist; his brother, Lawrence Ghrist and wife Glynn.

Ron is survived by his children, Debra Bevan (Bill), and James Ghrist (Jackie Bonk), his grandson, Ryan Bevan; his brother, James Ghrist (Maxine); his sister, Cynthia Carlson (Eric); and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and many friends and colleagues.

A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024, from 10:00 am until 12 noon, followed by a funeral service, at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA 19056. Interment will follow at Newtown Cemetery, Newtown, PA.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations in Ron Ghrist may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital at http://www.stjude.org/donate