Ronald J. McCarty

Ronald J. McCarty, 64, of Wapakoneta, died 8:20 a.m., Thurs. Dec. 6, 2012, at Wapakoneta Manor. He was born Dec. 2, 1948, in Celina, OH, the son of Bernard & Mary Ann (Copeland) McCarty. His mother survives in Wapakoneta, and his father died March 6, 2012. Other survivors include, his aunt Darlene (McCarty) Beelman and his aunt Sondra (McCarty) Bird and their families. Ron was an only child, and grew up and resided near Waynesfield in “The Rinehart House” which is on the National Register of Historic Places. He was associated with his parents in farming the family farms and with his parents in selling petroleum products for McCarty Oil. Ron began his study of piano at age of 8 and organ at age of 14. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Columbus, OH, where he had been the organist and Director of Music. He also served as organist of the Ada United Methodist Church, the Ohio Northern University Chapel, and the Summit United Methodist Church, Columbus. A graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, he majored in organ and minored in harpsichord. While in college, he played for and was assistant conductor of the St. Marys Schola Cantorum. He then became organist, choir director, and Director of Music for the The Holy Cross Immaculata Catholic Church, Cincinnati. He was instrumental in restoring the 1895 Koehnkne & Grimm organ built for the Holy Cross Church. Ron attended the Choate Organ Seminars, Wallingford, CT. From 1986-1990, he served as the Chapel/University organist at the English Chapel at ONU and was instrumental in the restoration of their 1892 Steinway Grand Piano. An active recitalist, he played in concert in New York City, New Haven, Toledo, Cincinnati, Berkley, and other cities. Most of all he enjoyed the many organ, piano, and harpsichord recitals he performed at area churches. He had been affiliated with the American Organ Guild, Columbus, OH. Ron was devoted to his family and friends and will be missed by his dog “Robby” and his household of cats. A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m., Sat. Dec. 8, 2012, at the Long & Folk Chapel of Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, 13 S. Blackhoof St., Wapakoneta, Chaplain Herb Wilker officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Union Twp. The family will receive friends 1 hr. prior to the service, Sat. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Uniopolis Fire Dept.

Ronald J. McCarty

December 2, 1948 - December 6, 2012