Ronald E. Polak

Ronald E. “RP” Polak passed away peacefully at his home on September 27, 2024 after a long, courageous battle with leukemia.

RP was born in Erie, PA on May 20, 1940 to William C. and Margaret Schugart Polak.

On October 28, 1978, he married M. Catherine (Cathi) O'Toole, who survives.

Following his graduation from Strong Vincent High School in 1958, RP attended Penn State Behrend. In 1960, he began a 42 year career with the Lord Corporation, starting in their Erie plant as a quality control technician. He transferred to Saegertown Hughson Chemical Division as a process engineer. In 1981, Lord purchased a plant in Gloucester, Massachusetts where RP was sent as plant manager. He later returned to Saegertown where he held the position of production manager until his retirement in 2002. In retirement, he did his best work mowing the golf course at Venango Valley.

In his younger years, RP played softball for various local teams and coached boys’ basketball at First District Elementary School. He enjoyed playing golf with his friends at Venango Valley Golf Course. RP also volunteered for Special Olympics for many years.

In addition to his wife, Cathi, RP is survived by his daughters Susan Moore of Dacula, GA; Katie Polak of New York City; Kerri (Kevin) Moore of Conshohocken, PA and a son Michael (Noel) Fenlon of Greensboro, GA. He was the proud grandfather of Matthew, Adam, Peyton, Ever and Micah. Also surviving are his brothers-in-law Michael, Martin, Patrick (Tracey), Shaun, Dennis (Darlene) and Brian (Nancy) O’Toole and his sisters-in-law Maureen O’Toole and Erin (Ken) Brannon. Also, numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

 In addition to his parents, RP was predeceased by his stepfather Richard Klein; father and mother-in-law Michael and Mary O’Toole; brother William T. Polak; sisters-in-law Barbara Polak and Jane O’Toole and a niece Valerie Polak.

RP’s family and friends will remember him for his generosity, encouragement, cleverness, meticulous nature and his wit.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jason Brown and the staff at Yolanda Barco Oncology Institute especially his nurse, Holly, for the exceptional care and resources they provided. They also thank Dr. Craig Godfrey who was both his doctor and friend.

A memorial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, 16792 Conneaut Lake Road, Meadville, PA 16335.

Arrangements are under the direction of STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE.

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