| Obituary | The Reverend Ronald G. VanBlargan, a Lutheran minister, died Thursday, September 1, in Buffalo NY. He was 76 years old.
Born in Oneida, PA, Reverend VanBlargan spent most of his early years in Philipsburg, PA. After graduating from Gettysburg College in 1957, he graduated from the Gettysburg Seminary with a Masters of Divinity degree, and was ordained by the Central Pennsylvania Synod in 1960. He served as pastor to several Lutheran Churches in Central Pennsylvania; his most recent post was at Zion Lutheran Church in Hummelstown, PA, where he served from 1986 until he retired in 1999.
Throughout his professional career Pastor VanBlargan actively participated in numerous church-related, social ministry and human service organizations. In retirement he was Interim Pastor of Binogles Church, and a staff member in the Lower Susquehanna Synod.
In 1960 Pastor VanBlargan married the late Barbara Miller VanBlargan, and is survived by their son Mark VanBlargan of Hershey PA, daughter-in-law Suzanne and grandchildren Kara and Karl, as well as his wife, Susan Nusbaum of Buffalo, three stepchildren and seven step-grandchildren.
In 2004 Pastor VanBlargan moved to Buffalo, where he was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, and served as supply pastor to numerous churches in Erie and Chautauqua Counties. He was a volunteer at the Burchfield-Penny Art Gallery and Millard Fillmore Hospital, Gates Circle, and a Board member and Vice-President of the Park Lane Condominiums. A devotee of Buffalo Philharmonics, Buffalo Chamber Music Society and many other cultural organizations. He quickly became an avid and vocal Buffalo booster. He delighted in swapping jokes with his many friends and became know to them as a consummate host and perceptive counselor.
Pastor VanBlargan spent over 30 summers at the Chautauqua Institution with his late wife Barbara. He met and married his wife Susan at Chautauqua. He served as Monitor for Chautauqua Special Studies and served three terms as Board Member for the Chautauqua Opera Guild. Ron's open, outgoing personality earned him the title "Mayor of Chautauqua" among his many fans there. He will be missed by a multitude of devoted friends and parishioners in the Harrisburg, Buffalo and Chatauqua areas.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church 371 Delaware Avenue on September 9, 2011 at 11am. A private interment service will be held on September 11, 2011 at the Philipsburg Cemetery in Philipsburg, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chautauqua Institute, Trinity Episcopal Church or a charity of your choice.Source: obits.dignitymemorial.com |
