Frostburg, MD - Ronald Patrick Kealy, 89, of Frostburg, passed away on Nov. 18, 2025.

Ron was born in Chisholm, Minn., to Henrietta (Hattie) Geothe and J. Austin Kealy on Oct. 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, Wis. In 1968, he received a grant from the University of Florida and earned his master's and Doctor of Education degrees. He then moved his young family to Nashville, Tenn., 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 graduate 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 and Trevor Kamens, Kyle, Liam (Caitlin) and Sean Rhodes (fiancée 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 to 3 p.m. at Durst Funeral Home, 57 Frost Ave., Frostburg, MD, on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025.

A Mass will be held at 11 a.m. at St Michael's Catholic Church, Main Street, Frostburg, MD, on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. Military honors will be held after Mass 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/.