Chromulak’s life was defined by service

The Monessen native dedicated his time to veterans’ causes and the community following a 21-year military career.

Ron Chromulak never really stopped serving.

Whether he was wearing an Air Force uniform halfway around the world or standing quietly at a local veterans ceremony, Chromulak dedicated his life to service — to his country, to veterans and to the Mon Valley community he called home.

Chromulak died peacefully Friday at the age of 83, closing a chapter on a life defined by duty, persistence and an unwavering commitment to those who served.

Born Nov. 25, 1942, at the former Charleroi-Monessen Hospital, Chromulak grew up in Monessen and graduated from Monessen High School in 1960.

Just days after graduation, he entered the United States Air Force, beginning what would become a 21-year military career.

His service took him across the United States and overseas during some of the most significant periods of modern military history. Working in aircrew life support and rescue operations, Chromulak earned numerous medals and commendations before retiring from the Air Force in 1981.

After his military service, Chromulak returned home and redirected his focus to helping fellow veterans. He worked in management locally before joining the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where he spent years assisting veterans with employment, training and access to benefits.

In that role, he worked closely with veterans to help them prepare for civilian life by focusing on education, credentials and job placement. His work earned recognition from state and national veterans organizations and made him a trusted advocate for former service members navigating life after the military.

Chromulak was also a leading figure in the POW/ MIA movement in the Mon Valley, working at the local, state and national levels to raise awareness and support efforts connected to missing and imprisoned service members, particularly those from the Vietnam era.

State Rep. Eric Davanzo said Chromulak’s impact on veterans in the region was significant and lasting.

“We mourn the passing of Ron Chromulak, a proud Monessen native, U.S. Air Force veteran and lifelong advocate for our veterans,” Davanzo said. “Ron dedicated more than two decades to serving our nation in uniform and spent the rest of his life fighting for veterans here at home — helping them access jobs, benefits and the support they earned. His leadership, service and presence in our community will be deeply missed.”

Monessen Mayor Ron Mozer said Chromulak’s dedication to the city and its veterans was evident in both large projects and everyday efforts.

“I think he was a patriot beyond reproach,” Mozer said. “He had love for anyone who ever served. He truly loved this city and would do anything in the world for it, especially our veterans.”

Chromulak was involved in numerous projects throughout Monessen focused on honoring veterans and preserving local history. Those efforts included leading the restoration of a World War II Sherman tank, renaming city landmarks to honor local veterans killed in action, initiating a military banner tribute program, restoring a World War II plaque and coordinating the cleaning and upkeep of multiple war monuments.

Mozer said Chromulak was instrumental in work connected to veterans memorials, flag ceremonies and improvements throughout the city’s parks.

“He was a true Monessenite whose heart was for the veterans,” the mayor said. “He provided resources to the veterans, and some other things he wasn’t necessarily remembered for. He was an outstanding person for the city, and I just want to express my sincerest sympathy to his wife and family.”

Beyond his professional work, Chromulak was deeply involved in veterans organizations and civic groups throughout the Mon Valley. He served in leadership roles across multiple organizations, including as commander of American Legion Post 28, and helped organize veterans programs, memorial services and community events. He also held leadership roles with the Monessen Chamber of Commerce and served with regional veterans councils.

Gary Mendola, second vice commander of Thomas McKee Post 28 American Legion in Monessen, who is set to assume the role of commander in March, said Chromulak’s leadership within the organization left a lasting mark.

“Ron served the American Legion proudly; he will surely be missed and difficult to replace,” Mendola said.

Magisterial District Judge Wayne Vlasic, who worked closely with Chromulak as the American Legion’s adjunct, said Chromulak was a driving force behind nearly every veterans-related effort he touched.

“From start to finish, he was all about getting things done, not for himself, but for the community,” Vlasic said. “Whatever it took for the veterans or anyone who served, he brought people together. He was a driving force.”

Vlasic said Chromulak was instrumental in organizing projects tied to military remembrance, often working behind the scenes to secure funding, coordinate volunteers and involve the broader community.

“He had a lot of good ideas, and whatever he came up with, he went at it,” Vlasic said. “You couldn’t hold him back, and he got it done.”

Delmar Hepple, Monessen’s municipal fire chief, said Chromulak’s death leaves a significant void within the city’s veterans community.

“There’s a big void in the veterans community in the city of Monessen,” Hepple said. “He was huge in making things happen. He was persistent, and he loved being part of it.”

Hepple said Chromulak worked closely with the city’s War Memorial Trust and maintained frequent contact as projects moved forward.

In November, Hepple said Chromulak personally recognized him and the city’s fire departments for their help and commitment to veterans-related projects, a gesture that reflected Chromulak’s habit of making sure others felt seen and appreciated.

“It meant a lot to him to do that, and it meant a lot to me to receive it,” Hepple said. “We’ll all miss him and try to carry on, but it will be rough.”

Former Monessen Mayor Matt Shorraw said Chromulak’s passion for service extended well beyond veterans causes.

“I’m so saddened to hear of Ron’s passing,” Shorraw said. “During my time in office, he was always looking for new ways to support the city — not just for the veterans causes he cherished, but for everyone. Each time we spoke, I could always see the passion he shared for helping others and the pride he had as a veteran. My prayers go out to his wife, Bev, and his family and friends.”

Much of Chromulak’s later work focused on remembrance. He chaired and supported efforts to restore and upgrade veterans memorials throughout Monessen and the Mon Valley, helping ensure that the service and sacrifice of local veterans were honored and preserved. He also played a central role in organizing Veterans Day events and public ceremonies that brought together veterans, families and community members each year.

In October, Chromulak was inducted into the Monessen High School Wall of Fame, recognizing his military service and decades of commitment to his hometown.

Monessen Superintendent Dr. Robert Motte said that recognition was a true testament to the man he was.

“Mr. Chromulak’s military career reflected excellence, but his true impact was found in how he cared for others,” Motte said. “A proud Monessen Greyhound and a kind soul. He devoted his life to helping fellow veterans and strengthening his community.”

Chromulak leaves behind more than titles or accolades. He leaves a legacy of service defined by commitment, carried forward by the veterans and community he worked so hard to support.