Ronald J. (Jr.) Slater

Ronald J. Slater Jr. 65, of Upper Burrell passed away peacefully on Tuesday October 27, 2020 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh after a yearlong battle with necrotizing pancreatitis.  He was born in New Kensington to the late  Ronald J. and Dolores (Pokusa) Slater.  Ron was a 1973 graduate of Burrell High School and then went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh.  For 40 years, Ron worked for the University of Pittsburgh, mostly in the role of Student Ombudsman.  He served on the Burrell School District School Board for 10 years.  He was a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in New Kensington.  Ron was an enthusiastic sports fan of Pitt and the Steelers, attending games for both teams for many years.  He enjoyed camping and most of all spending time with his family.  He is survived by his wife of 39 years Terri J. (Clever) Slater; two sons, Ronald J. Slater III of Upper Burrell and Paul (Jamie) Slater of North Apollo; a daughter, Kristin (Justin) DeStefano of Allegheny Township; his brothers, David (Nancy) Slater of Plum, Joseph (Mary Beth) Slater of Lower Burrell and James Slater of Plum; a sister, Karen (Andrew) Krowsoski of Lower Burrell; four grandchildren, Aiden Slater of North Apollo, Ruby, Reese and Rex DeStefano of Allegheny Township and many nieces and nephews.  Family and friends will be received on Friday 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Frank F. Gigler Funeral Home, Inc., Robert P. Karish, Supervisor, 2877 Leechburg Road, Lower Burrell, PA 15068.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday in St. Joseph Church, 1125 Leishman Avenue, New Kensington, PA 15068.  Everyone please meet at the church.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made me made to The National Pancreas Foundation, 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 700, Bethesda, MD 20814 or American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA  22202.  We are adhering to the CDC guidelines and masks are to be worn.  Messages of condolences are welcome at www.giglerfuneralhome.com.

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