Ronald B. Buchheit

Ronald B. Buchheit, 65, of 6 Bedford Street, Bradford PA and formerly of St. Marys, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Buffalo General Hospital.

Ron was born December 1, 1960, in St. Marys, son of the late Earl and Agnes Rettger Buchheit.  He was a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, Class of 1979 and continued his education at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, earning his degree in Secondary Education.  Over the past twenty-two years, Ron worked and had a tremendous impact for Beacon Light in Bradford.

An avid fly fisherman, he found his truest joy standing in moving water, casting a careful line beneath open skies.  As an instructor with the Kinzua Fly Fishing School, he shared far more than technique — he shared patience, respect for nature, and a deep appreciation for the quiet lessons found along a riverbank.  Fly fishing was never simply a hobby to him; it was a passion that shaped his character and connected him to others.  He believed the river taught mindfulness, resilience, and humility, and he was happiest when helping someone else experience that magic for the first time.  He was an artist with feathers and thread, carefully crafting each fly by hand. But what truly lit up his spirit was not the fish he caught himself — it was hearing that someone else had landed one on a fly he had tied.  Nothing gave him more joy than that call, that photo, that story.  To him, it meant he had shared not just a fly, but a little piece of himself.

Selfless and caring by nature, he lived fully in the present moment. He did not wait for “someday.”  He embraced today — whether it meant an early morning hatch, a heartfelt conversation, or time spent with those he loved.

Beyond the water, he found equal joy in teaching children the game of chess. He understood its value for young minds — the discipline, strategy, patience, and confidence it builds.  Watching a child grasp a new concept or think three moves ahead brought him immense pride.  He believed in nurturing potential and guiding youth not only in games, but in life.

Family meant everything to him.  He cherished gatherings, phone calls, and simple conversations.  He especially loved hearing what his nieces and nephews were doing.  Ron is survived by four sisters: Kathleen Lecker of St. Marys, Janet Hopkins of Fairview, Pauline Buchheit of Lancaster, and Sally Buchheit of Leola; five brothers: Tom Buchheit (Karen) of Cogan Station, PA, Joe Buchheit (Judy) of Byran, TX, Jeff Buchheit (Tina) of St. Marys, Christopher Buchheit of Williamsport, and Mike Buchheit of St. Marys; a sister-in-law, Karen Buchheit of Bradford; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by a brother, Peter Buchheit; and two brothers-in-law, Mike Lecker and Chris Hopkins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 315 Church Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 10:00AM.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Bradford Chess Club c/o Bob Ferguson, 140 School Street, Bradford, PA 16701.