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Ronald A. Matason, 78 of Nags Head, NC, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, August 8, 2026 in Chesapeake, VA. Ron was preceded in death by his father, William A. Matason, his Mother, Helen O. Matason, his sister Helen M. Worsing and his brother, William A. Matason. 

Ron was born in McKeesport, PA in 1948. He graduated from McKeesport High School in 1966. Ron was a proud member of the US Army. He enlisted during the turbulent Vietnam War Era and served honorably from 1967 -1970 in Hanau, Germany.  He was a member of the 275th CML Lab and the Army Signal Corps. 

Following completion of his military duty, Ron earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1975 and his Master of Education degree in 1988 both from The Pennsylvania State University. In the late 1970’s Ron established his own business Phototec Visual Services. As a patriot, Ron participated in many motorcycle rides supporting the Patriot Guard riders. He also marched in DC with Veterans for Peace and Iraq Veterans Against the War.  During the Iraq war, every Christmas on Penn State’s campus, he displayed a tree with a single flag representing each fallen soldier. By the end of the war, the tree was covered in over 1,000 flags. 

 Eventually Ron settled in State College, PA where he was a resident for 44 years. Ron spent his career in the College of Agriculture at The Pennsylvania State University from 1982 until his retirement in 2011. He retired as a Senior Communications Analyst in 2011. Ron’s primary responsibility was coordinating communications among Penn State’s 67 County Extension Offices. 

In 2019, Ron and his wife Linda relocated to Nags Head, North Carolina. Ron and Linda loved the Outer Banks lifestyle. The highlight of each day was having their coffee together on the deck each morning and listening to the birds.

Even in retirement Ron continued to live a life of service. Ron generously supported international children’s organizations. He sponsored numerous children over the years for Plan International and UNBOUND. Ron was also an active member of the OBX Harley Owner’s Group including riding to lunch outings always ending with ice cream for dessert. A major contributor to this group Ron raised funds for children’s toy runs and local food banks. Ron had especially fond memories of his years with the State College Harley Owner’s Group. One memorable adventure was Ron and Linda’s long ride to Milwaukee for the Harley Davidson 100th anniversary celebration.

Ron was also an avid photographer. He always loved photography. As a newspaper delivery boy in the White Oak neighborhood; Ron used his earnings to buy his first real camera- huge with the flash attachment like the ones from old movies. Later he even built a darkroom in his parents’ basement. Ron found inspiration in the birds, sunrises, sunsets, boats, shrimp boats and other subjects that captured the unique beauty of the Outer Banks.

Avid Nature lovers, Ron and Linda were active members of the local paddling club. Many friendships were formed within this group of kayakers.

In 2017, The Bellefonte Art Museum featured Ron’s photography depicting his trip to Nicaragua in 1988. His beautiful photos of the children and elders of Nicaraguan society were warmly received and admired.  Ron was so proud of this show. Likewise he was also extremely proud of being selected to travel to Swaziland, Africa TWICE to teach computer skills, photography, and video production to government officials there.

Above all, Ron was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and a devout Catholic. Faith and family came first. He shared his passion for Christ with Linda where the couple were active parishioners at Holy Redeemer By The Sea Catholic Church.

Ron is survived by his loving wife and companion of 30 years, Linda of the Nags Head residence and his daughter, Laura Matason Krim and son-in-law, James Krim of Brockton, MA. In November of 2006, Laura and Jim gave Ron one of life’s greatest gifts, a granddaughter- Abby, the joy of her Pap Pap’s life.

Other surviving relatives include Laura’s mother, Kathleen Matason and Rich Smith of State College, PA; his brother, Richard Matason (Sandy) of North Huntington, PA; his sister-in-law, Susan Townsend of New Wilmington, PA; his brother-in-law, John Townsend (Kathy) of Nags Head, NC and his sister-In-law, Lori Harkulich (Darren) of Fort Myers, FL; numerous loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and a host of extended family members and close friends and neighbors. Ron will be remembered and loved by everyone who knew him. As a nephew put it: “Uncle Ron was someone you wanted to emulate.”

Ron’s memorial mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kitty Hawk Monday September 21, 2026 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ron’s name may be made at OBX Room In The Inn at obxroomintheinn.org. Please share messages of faith and love with Linda and the family at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.

Linda my heart is broken over your loss. Ron will be missed by so many. Praying for you and your family.

Linda and family, I am so sorry🥲sending you love, hugs and lots of prayers at this very sad time.

Dear Linda and family, praying God will bring you peace and ease your grief. May the love and support of family and friends be a comfort during this time and the days ahead.

Linda and family sorry to hear about Ronald. Praying for you. Ronald was a proud Vietnam Veteran.

Dear Linda, I’m so very sorry for your loss. May God give you peace and healing in this time of heartbreak and grief. May Ron rest in eternal peace. I will be praying for you, Linda. Sending you hugs….

Linda, Laura and family...so very shocked about Ron's passing. Praying for all to get thru this nightmare!

Dear Linda, Our condolences to you and your family. There aren't words enough to express how sorry we are. Ron was a special kind of person and will be missed by many. Hugs to you

Linda and family; Very hard to express ones thoughts and prayers in writing, but please know that is surely the case with us. The memories of Ron will be of a truly class man, one who put his words into action supporting the military families of lost loved ones. Can't say enough about that, but that is certainly a tribute to his respect for his military brothers, and his overall respect for others in a very difficult time. May God watch over Ron, and you Linda. This world surely lost a good one. Respectfully, Mark and Lisa

Linda, we are so deeply saddened about Ron. What a true gentleman! God always takes the good ones early. Please know that the entire family are praying for your strength, Linda. One thing for sure, when the angels took Ron to Heaven, I know for sure that our mom, Jean, welcomed him with open arms and a warm smile! She probably said, " hi Ron, let me show you how magnificent it is up here! 😇💔 We love you Linda, Kent and Mary

Dear Linda and family, We were so sorry to hear about Ron. He was a true gentleman! God always takes the good ones early! One thing we do know for sure is when the angels took Ron to Heaven, our amazing mom, Jeannie, welcomed him with open arms and a warm smile. I can only imagine her saying something like..." hello Ron, let me show you how magnificent it is up here!," 😇❤️ God bless you all. Love you ! Mary and Kent

Linda I am sooo very sorry! Your world has been rocked and there’s nothing I can do for you! You 2 were an amazing kind couple who loved everyone who was so generous and loving to all friends! I pray for comfort for you!!

Ron's obituary tells the story of a life well lived - it was rich with adventure and many accomplishments, especially the positive impact he made on his loved ones and his community. We always enjoyed seeing him heading out in his Harley garb for a ride with friends - the sound of his bike returning will be greatly missed. We send our love and deepest sympathy to Linda and all of Ron's loved ones. Love, Sara and John

Linda. Bob and I send our condolences. We pray for god to give you and the family strength. May Ron rest in peace.

Linda, we are so sorry to learn of Ron’s passing. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Keeping you and your family in our prayers as you celebrate his life and process your grief. Virginia and John

Linda and family, it is very hard to comprehend that Ron has passed and is now with the Lord! We have wonderful memories we shared with Ron over many years. May he rest in peace and Linda, may you rest knowing he is at peace.

Linda, Our deepest condolences to you during this time. We wanted to share with you that Boyce and Mary Blanche Harwell made a donation to OBX Room In The Inn in memory of your husband, Ron. God Bless.