Ronald A. Christ
Jun 25, 2014
November 14, 1933 – June 25, 2014
Christ, Dr. Ronald A.
Age 80, on Wednesday, June 25, 2014, of Jefferson Hills.
Professor, and first Varsity Basketball Coach Upper St. Clair High School.
Beloved husband of Marcia E. Christ; father of Leslie (Craig) Stiffler of Bucks County, PA and Joan (Philip) Joson of Upper St. Clair; grandfather of Matthew and Katherine Stiffler and Christopher, Lindsey and Andrew Joson; brother of the late Robert Christ and Shirley Draper. Ron was a 1951 graduate of Baldwin High School and attended Kent State University. He received his B.S. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1955 and his M.A. in 1959, and his Ed. D. from Pennsylvania State University in 1967. His professional career began in Castle Shannon, teaching 5th grade. He then taught 5th and 6th grades in Upper St. Clair School District and was the Principal at Johnston Elementary School in Upper St. Clair at the age of 27. Ron became the Supervisor of all elementary schools in USC from 1963-1969. In 1970, Ron became a Professor at California U. of PA, teaching for 31 years, until his retirement in 2001. At Cal U he taught Research Methods, Tests and Measurements, Various Methods of Teaching in Elementary Schools and supervised student teachers. His total career in education spanned 46 years. In 1957 at the age of 24, Ron became the first boys’ varsity basketball coach in the Upper St. Clair school’s history. At that time, he was the youngest coach in the WPIAL. Prior to 1957, students had the option after finishing junior high school to attend either Mt. Lebanon, Peters Twp. or Bridgeville High Schools. As their attendance grew, it became obvious that USC had to create their own high school, so in 1957, the freshman class was kept as sophomores and continued until they graduated in 1960.. His four year record was 54 wins and 30 losses. When he became the principal of Johnston Elementary School, he had to resign from his coaching position since the district had the policy that you had to work in the building where you coached. Ron was an avid golfer, playing at Youghiogheny Country Club, where he was a member from 1986-2011. In 2011 he joined Ligonier Country Club. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church since 1983. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2014 in Christ United Methodist Church at 1 PM. If desired, family suggests contributions to Christ United Methodist Church, 44 Highland Rd., Bethel Park, PA 15102 or California University of PA,, 250 University Way, California, PA 15419 or National Kidney Foundation, 3109 Forbes Ave., Ste. 101, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Arrangements handled by the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227.
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