Ronald Kealy

Ronald Patrick Kealy, 89, of Frostburg, passed away on November 18, 2025.

Ron was born in Chisholm Minnesota to Henrietta (Hattie) Geothe and J. Austin Kealy on October 10, 1936. He attended the Chisholm public schools and graduated in 1954. After graduation, Ron enlisted in the air force and spent most of his service time in Okinawa working as a dental technician. Upon his discharge, he enrolled in St. Cloud State College and pursued a science degree in education.

In 1961 Ron married Margaret (Peggy) Bovitz and began his teaching career in public schools in Racine Wisconsin. In 1968 he received a grant from the University of Florida and earned his masters and doctor of education degrees. He then moved his young family to Nashville Tennessee and taught at George Peabody College.

In 1971 he became the head of the education department at what was then Frostburg State College. It was during this time that he established an exchange program with Mary Immaculate College in Limerick Ireland. For 25 years, students came to Frostburg and worked as graduated assistants. He also had exchange students from Denmark and Holland. Ron eventually became Dean of the College of Education before he went back to teaching. He retired in 1998.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jim and Bud Kealy and sister-in-law Lorraine. He is survived by his wife Peggy of 64 years, his daughters Kim Kamens (Gary) and Karrey Rhodes (Jeff) and his son John Kealy (Missi), seven grandchildren: Justin & Trevor Kamens, Kyle, Liam (Caitlin) and Sean Rhodes (fiancé Gabbi Rumgay), Bridget and Brogan Kealy, three step-grandchildren: Patrick, Hannah and Rebecca Kenny, and great-granddaughter Nellie Ann Rhodes.

We want to thank the many caretakers and administrators at Allegany Nursing and Rehab for the excellent care and compassion that Ron received during his time there.

Friends and family will be received from 1:00-3:00 at Durst Funeral Home, 57 Frost Avenue, Frostburg MD on Sunday, November 23, 2025.

A mass will be held at 11:00 am at St Michael's Catholic Church, Main Street, Frostburg MD on Monday, November 24, 2025. Following mass Military Honors will be performed by Farrady Post #24 American Legion Honor Guard.

Per Ron's request he donated his body to science. 

Words of comfort may be sent to the family following the obituary at www.durstfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation in memory of Ron to:

Foundation for Frostburg https://foundationforfrostburg.org/how-to-give/

St. Michael's Catholic Church https://divinemercymd.org/giving/

Chisholm Foundation https://www.chisholmcommunityfoundation.com/donation-options/