Ronald Alois Chapla, 89, of Beaver, passed away surrounded by love on September 12th, 2026.

He was born on January 28th, 1937, a son of the late Alois and Mary Palguta Chapla. Ron was born in the small community of Josephine, Pennsylvania and spent time at the Chapla family farm before moving to Swissvale where he later met Sue Ann. They married in 1958 and raised their two daughters throughout the Pittsburgh area. In 1978, he accepted a position as Golf Course Superintendent at the newly-opened Seven Oaks Country Club and the family made Beaver their long-term home. As a young family, they enjoyed summer trips to State College and weekends at Lake Erie. Upon retirement, he traveled with Sue Ann to some of their favorite places, including Virginia and Miami beaches, Canada, Las Vegas, and of course, Mountaineer Casino. After his beloved wife passed away, he carried on their traditions and was known for hosting the annual family Christmas dinner. Of course, it was prime rib, and one would never know how it would turn out. However, the day would still be filled with joy and laughter as he spread his love with crazy gifts, grab bags, and Christmas stockings full of unknown surprises, often traded and tossed across the room … Ron style. He lived a full life and continued to manage his own affairs, surf the internet, and send funny texts and gifs via cell phone at age 89.

In addition to his parents and loving wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Leonard and James Chapla. He is survived by his beloved daughters, Linda (Brian) Harsh and Lorraine (Jeff) Small, his grandchildren: Allison (Andy), Alex, Shannon (Tim), and Sara (Mitchell); as well as his great-grandsons, Luke and Colby, his sisters, Marilyn (Jan) Chapla and Arlene (Joe) Wrobleski, his nephews and their families, Kevin and Jon Wrobleski and extended family and friends.

Family and friends remember Ronald with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. They remember him as an avid golfer and expert gardener and landscaper. He loved to tinker with tools, and loved his cars, but he loved his family most.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, September 15th from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Gabauer-Todd Funeral Home, 340 3rd Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Departing prayers will be offered in the funeral home on Wednesday, September 16th at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver, with entombment to follow at Beaver Cemetery and Mausoleum, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

Ron was a kind and generous man. Some of his favorite charities included St. Jude Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Indian School (for Native American Children), and VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). In lieu of flowers, a donation would honor his memory and he’d probably think “that’s pretty cool.”