Obituary of Ronald Wertel

Ronald Wertel, age 86, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026.  Ron was born in Pittsburgh on June 23, 1940 to Otto and Carol (Ryan) Wertel.  He attended Carrick High School, and later Carnegie Tech, where he graduated second in his class.  Ron joined the navy in 1962 attaining the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade.  While stationed in Philadelphia, he met his future wife Eleanor Flocco.  

Ronald and Eleanor were married on November 16, 1968, and spent most of their married life in Swarthmore, PA.  Together they enjoyed travel, live music, the local art scene, and hosting wonderful family events and parties at their home.

Eleanor died of Parkinson’s disease in 2017, and Ron’s unfaltering devotion to El’s care serves as an inspiration to us all.  One of Ron and El’s longtime friends put it best: “Never in my life of eighty plus years have I witnessed more love and devotion then my dear old friend of more than sixty years exhibited in the care and nursing of his beloved wife Eleanor as she slowly succumbed to Parkinson’s Disease.  Not once did I hear even a wispier of complaint or regret.  True love and devotion.”

 Ron is survived by his sister-in-law Clare Flocco, his three nephews Christian (Toni), Edward, Nicholas (Liesl) and his grand-nieces Carmela, Corinne, Liliana and Sofia.  A memorial service will be held at Lownes Funeral Home in Lafayette Hill on Tuesday, August 11th at 3:00.