Mt. Carmel – Ronald F. Startzel Sr., 83, of 215 Front Street, passed away Monday, December 7, 2020 at his residence after a long battle with illness, family by his side, joking, with his playful wit until the end.

Born in Shamokin on March 23, 1937, he was the son of the late Freeman and Helen (Topolski) Startzel.

Ronald was a graduate of St. Edward's High School in Shamokin. He received his BA from Bloomsburg University and Masters Degree from Carlton College in Northfield, Minnesota. Ronald proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 – 1957.  He last served as a jet engine mechanic for VMIT-10 while stationed at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in California. His love of teaching spanned over 50 years as a Math, Science and Physics teacher at Mt. Carmel High School, Lourdes Regional High School and Luzerne Community College.

On November 24, 1960, in St. Paul's Chapel, he married Elizabeth Procopio, who survives. The couple just celebrated their 60 ^th wedding anniversary.

Ronald was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, and volunteered at Strong Fire Company for many years.  He could be found working on his classic cars or walking with his signature red hat around the area.  One thing for sure, if he taught you, or a family member, he would stop you in the street or a store to say hello.  He will be missed for sure.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Startzel of Mt. Carmel; two daughters, Barbara Rahman and husband, Afzal Rahman of NJ and Maria Startzel of Mt. Carmel; two sons, Ronald Startzel Jr. and wife, Sarah of VA and Marcus Startzel Sr. and wife, Michele of MD; three granddaughters, Lauren Angelozzi and husband, Nicholas of NJ, Victoria Dehel of NJ and Rachel Startzel of VA; four grandsons, Marcus Startzel Jr. of MD, Mitchel Startzel of MD, Max Startzel of MD and Nathan Dehel of NJ; two great grandsons, Liam Angelozzi and Jackson Angelozzi both of NJ; a great granddaughter, Nora Angelozzi; a sister, Elizabeth Ann Higgins and husband, Bill of Milton; a sister-in-law, Sister Mary Cabrini of Coraopolis; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by Antonio and Assunta (LaCroce) Procopio, his father and mother-in-law; step-father-in-law, Sam Greco; and two sisters, Joyce George and husband, Darien and Karen Merchinski.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Ronald F. Startzel Sr., 83, of 215 Front Street, Mt. Carmel – Funeral Mass will be private and held at the convenience of the family due to COVID-19. However, the mass will be shown live via stream so others can participate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made payable to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, at 47 S. Market St., Mt. Carmel, PA 17851. Arrangements are in care of C. J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 27 N. Vine St., Mt. Carmel, PA, C. J. Lucas IV, supervisor. To view the Funeral Mass livestream please click on the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQjIXm6CQm4&feature=youtu.be