Ronald M. Boychak

Ronald Michael Boychak

10/22/1954 - 7/27/2025                                                         

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Ronald Michael Boychak.

Ronnie was the beloved son of the late Joseph and Anna (Salanik) Boychak. A proud graduate of Frankford High School, he was an adventurer at heart. His first big journey after high school took him to Thule Air Force Base in Greenland, where he worked as a maintenance mechanic for the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System. He cherished connecting with the native Greenlandic people and attending thrilling dog sled races.

After returning to Pennsylvania, Ronnie became a vocational supervisor at Elwyn Rehabilitation Center, where he developed an innovative training program for individuals with disabilities, focused on industrial assembly and the building trades. His compassion and dedication left a lasting impact.

Later, Ronnie joined the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program and became a journeyman and proud member of the Philadelphia Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 19. His craftsmanship and creativity extended beyond the trade—he opened a small shop selling vintage items and handmade furniture. A lover of history, especially World War II, he spent countless hours exploring books,  documentaries, and movies on the subject.

Ronnie had a heart of gold and a deep love for his family. He volunteered at an orphanage run by the Sisters of St. Basil, forming special bonds with the children and nuns, and often taking the children on enriching trips to museums, cultural sites, and ballgames.

In his later years, Ronnie faced a series of health challenges following a stroke. He met these difficulties with strength and grace and received devoted and loving care from his sister Frances, before her untimely passing. Thereafter, he received wonderful and dedicated care at Saint John Neumann Nursing Home in Philadelphia.

Ronnie is survived by his loving brother, Dale Boychak (fiancée Susan Zapko), (the late Margaret Boychak), his sister Mary Konrad (the late Arthur Konrad, Jr.); he is predeceased by his youngest sister, Frances Boychak. He is the cherished uncle to Natalie Konrad, Alexandria Miller (Dennis), Anastasia Lange (Robert), and Olivia Mathis (Laurence), and a dear great-uncle to Abigail Lange, and Laurence and Johnathan Mathis.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 5th,  at the chapel of Saint John Neumann Nursing Home, 10400 Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19116, 10:00am -11:00am, followed by Holy Mass at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Lawnview Cemetery, 500 Huntington Pike, Rockledge, PA 19046.

Ronnie’s legacy of kindness, creativity, and advocacy for children with disabilities and health challenges will live on. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ronnie’s memory to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, www.chop.edu, or to Saint John Neumann Nursing Home, 10400 Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19116.

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