Very Reverend Father Ronald Paul Larko fell asleep in the Lord On October 31, 2021.
He was born on August 16, 1949 in Wilkinsburg, Pa., the fourth of seven children of the late Margaret Jane (Gresock) and Michael J. Larko.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and John.
Father Ron is survived by his brothers Michael J. (Marsha) Larko of Plum, Thomas (Karen) Larko of Punxsutawney, and sisters Anna (John) Maier of New Florence, and Patricia (Ed) Morris of Plum. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Father Ron’s early education was received at the schools of Penn Hill, Pa., and he then earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1972.
Before entering the Seminary, he was a teacher at St. John the Baptist school in Plum Boro and he also taught Physical Science and Biology in Eisenhower High school in Warren, Pa.
He likewise offered eight years of service as a clinical laboratory specialist to the United States Army Reserve.
1976 saw the beginning of his studies and formation for the priesthood at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa.
He was ordained a Deacon in May of 1981, and the late Archbishop Stephen J. Kocisko ordained him a priest in Ascension Church, Clairton, Pa. on June 6, 1982.
Father Ron served the following parishes: St. John, Mingo Junction, Oh.; Holy Trinity, Sykesville; Sts. Peter and Paul, Punxsutawney; St. John, Barnesboro; Ascension, Arcadia; all in Pennsylvania; then St. Basil, Irving, Texas; returning again in Pennsylvania to Holy Ghost, McKees Rocks, Holy Ghost, Pittsburgh, St. Stephen Leisenring, and his final assignment, St. John the Baptist, Uniontown, Pa.
His Archieparchial appointment included: Chancellor; Consultor; Member of the Presbyteral Council, Priest’s Pension Board, Clergy Task Force, and Renewal and Revitalization Commission ; Protopresbyter of the Southwest and Mon-Valley Protopresbyterates.
Father Ron also represented the Archeparchy at the Christian Associates of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
On Thursday, November 4, his body will be received into St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, 185 East Main St., Uniontown, for celebration of the Panachida.
Visitation will follow from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m., in church with the Priestly Parastas at 7 p.m. Due to the current pandemic visitors are required to wear masks and practice social distancing.
The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Friday, November 5 at 11 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church .
Private interment for the family will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Yatesboro, Pa.
In honor of Father Ron, donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church.
Your personal written tributes and memories are welcomed and encouraged at www.hakyfuneralhome.com.
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