Ronald D. Gentry, 81, of Bethlehem Township, formerly a long-time resident of Nazareth, PA passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, January 27, 2024.

Born on March 13, 1942, in Bluefield, WV, he was raised in Pocahontas, VA. He was the son of the late Conley Broadway Gentry and Julia (Onifer) Gentry. Ronald graduated from Pocahontas High School, Class of 1959 and enlisted in the United States Army at 17.  Ronald proudly served his country for 22 years, including in the Vietnam War, earning the rank of Master Sergeant.  Some of his military achievements included earning the Bronze Star while serving in Vietnam, serving with the Old Guard including during the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter, and many other accolades throughout his miliary career. Following his military career, he continued his education by earning his Bachelor of Science Degree at East Stroudsburg University in Social Studies, Class of 1985. Ronald spent the majority of his 17-year teaching career at Liberty High School teaching History, Government and Economics.  His first year of teaching was at Nazareth Area Junior High School.

Ronald was known as an amazing teacher and chef who had a love for animals, especially their dogs Misty and Peaches.

Ronald is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Nancy (Kunkel) Gentry, of Bethlehem Twp., daughters Jennifer Gentry, of Northampton and her companion Mike Best, Tracy Westberg, and her husband Brian, of Olympia, WA, son Robert Gentry and his wife CeCe, of Spanaway, WA, a brother Van B. Gentry, of Stanford, FL, and 5 grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Ronald is preceded in death by a half sister Peggy Gentry and half brothers Jack, Roy, and Conley Eugene Gentry Jr.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Morello Funeral Home Inc., 3720 Nicholas St., Easton, PA (Palmer Twp.)  Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Morello Funeral Home, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow with Military Honors at Northampton Memorial Shrine, Palmer Twp. Donations in memory of Ronald may be made to Scoots for Snoots, a nonprofit animal charity, at P.O. Box 113, Northampton, PA 18067. Online condolences may be offered at www.morellofuneralhome.com