Ronald Louis Ernharth, Ph.D
Of Pittsburgh, on December 19, 2020, in the loving care of his family. Born in McKees Rocks to Louis and Dorothy (née Milich) Ernharth on October 25, 1936, Ronald attended Langley High School, graduating in 1954.
Accepted to the United States Military Academy but too young to attend, he studied at the University of Pittsburgh before claiming his spot at West Point. He maintained lifelong friendships with his 1959 classmates and relished attending reunions for as long as he was able. In 1967, he obtained a master’s degree in history from Columbia University. While teaching at West Point, Ronald worked towards his history Ph.D, awarded by Columbia in 1970, after which he served in Vietnam.
He subsequently entered the business world, ultimately founding his own consulting firm. Ronald was also an accomplished pianist and enjoyed attending the Pittsburgh Symphony with his wife as season subscribers for many decades, as well as the Pittsburgh Opera. A curious intellect and avid student of history and politics until the end, he enjoyed attending the World Affairs Council and built a vast home library. He was a fan of Pittsburgh sports since his youth.
Ronald is mourned by his beloved wife of 59 years, Margot (née Drum), his three children, Stephan, Kerstin (and husband Francis Humann), and Johannes (and wife, Libby), as well as six grandchildren, Christian, Philipp, and Emma Humann, and Oskar, William, and Christopher Ernharth. Ronald is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Peter, and his sister, Lois Stana. A private memorial service will be held once COVID restrictions cease. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Foxwall EMS or the Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund.
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