As befitted his nature, Ronald “Ron” Paul Fleeger, retired U.S. Navy, died quietly and peacefully during first watch Wednesday, March 12, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.

Ron, 80, of Morgantown, W.Va., born in Slippery Rock, is survived by his wife, Linda Kay (Mickley) Fleeger.

Ron's 20-year career in the U.S. Navy, which began after his graduation from Slippery Rock High School in 1964, carried him to Vietnam on the USS Sacramento and to the Middle East on the USS Eisenhower, and many places in between on various other ships. As an aviation electrician, he was tasked with keeping both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters safely in the air.

After retiring from the U.S. Navy as petty officer first class (AE1), Ron used his expertise and skill in the field of aviation logistics before a second retirement, when he and Linda set off on an 11-year adventure traveling the country via an RV as they served as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service volunteers at eight different national wildlife refuges.

They finally settled in Morgantown to be closer to their widespread family, which was always Ron’s focus.

Ron also was a member of the Blackstone, Va., Rotary Club, serving a term as its president.

Besides his wife, Ron is survived by children, Denell Fleeger-Nelson (Dan) of New Wilmington, Pa., and Gary M. Fleeger (Melanie) of Tampa, Fla.

Also surviving are seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his brother, Tom Fleeger.

Three grandchildren followed Ron’s example of serving the country in the military: Morgan Logan (Alexa) in both the Pennsylvania National Guard and U.S. Air National Guard; Lt. j.g. Bella Fleeger, U.S. Coast Guard; and Sophia Fleeger, soon to be commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Other surviving grandchildren are Corinne Logan (Bradan), Carter Logan (Tristan), Alex Logan and Luke Fleeger; plus great-grandchildren, Grant Thomas Logan and Lennox Quinn Tinstman.

In addition to his parents, Paul Revere and Nellie Elizabeth Fleeger, Ron was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Fleeger.

FLEEGER — A celebration of life for Ronald “Ron” Paul Fleeger, who died Wednesday, March 12, 2025, will be held Saturday, March 29, at CUNNINGHAM’S FUNERAL HOME, 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and the service at 3 p.m. The Rev. Zac Morton, pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Morgantown, will officiate.

Ron will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

HASTINGS FUNERAL HOME, Morgantown, has been entrusted with cremation arrangements.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Morgantown, 456 Spruce St., 26505, or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cunninghamfh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.