J. Ronald Burkholder, 86

February 25, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of J. Ronald Burkholder of Brethren Village in Lititz PA. He passed away at the Lancaster General Hospital on February 25, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was 86 years old.

He was the husband of Harriet (Corby) Burkholder and would have celebrated 38 years of marriage in April.
Born in Witmer PA, he was the son of Aldus M. and Martha E. Denlinger Burkholder. After graduating from Pequea Valley Class of 1955, he started his lifelong love of cars. He worked for Paul Smeltz Auto Body Shop before starting and owning his own business.

He owned and operated the J. R. Burkholder Auto Body Shop in Paradise PA for 47 years. He was well known for his expertise in antique automobile restorations. His work encompassed customers from as far away as Germany, the Netherlands and all over the United States. His business has been recognized and acknowledged by the Antique Automobile Club of America on numerous occasions for his stellar reputation in the industry and his commitment to excellence in his field. His cars won numerous awards. In addition, his local reputation for general auto body repair was second to none.

He was a generous supporter in his local community with several organizations. But most notably was his particular love and pride of his 50+ year membership with the Paradise PA Lions Club. He served the club as a Past President and Vice President and was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Award which is an international award of the highest form within the organization for humanitarianism and ideals consistent with Lionism. He was also the cofounder of the Londonvale Antique Auto Show that was held annually for many years in Paradise PA.

He enjoyed many hobbies which included home renovations at several of his homes. But most importantly he and his wife personally built a family cabin in upstate Pennsylvania which was his pride and joy. He delighted in spending countless hours there entertaining family and friends which always included his love of cooking and showing his love to others with his gift of generous hospitality.

He is survived by his wife, Harriet Burkholder; son J. Michael Burkholder and his wife Valerie of Kinzers PA, his stepdaughter Lisa Spencer, wife of Dennis Spencer of Lititz PA, and his step son Morgan D. Swisher, Adamstown, PA. He is also survived by a sister, Joan Hirst wife of David Hirst of Christiana PA. He was a loving and adored grandfather to Zachary Burkholder, Danica (Burkholder) Taylor, John Spencer, Nicholas Spencer and Heather Swisher. In addition he was a great grandfather to 12 great grandchildren. He is survived by many loving nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.
He was predeceased by his daughter Angela Burkholder, sisters Janet Noll, Pauline Weaver and brother Paul Burkholder.

Friends and family will be received from 10AM to 11AM on Monday, March 4, 2024 at Leola United Methodist Church, 7 W. Main Street, Leola, PA 17540. A memorial service will follow beginning at 11AM. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Paradise Lions Club, PO Box 152 Paradise, PA 17562 or to the Brethren Village Benevolent Fund, 3001 Lititz, PA 17543.