Ronald Leon Toomey

MOUNT WOLF, Pennsylvania – Ronald Leon Toomey, 95, passed away peacefully May 30, 2024, at Providence Place Senior Living of Dover.

Ron was born and raised in North York and, as a teenager, he and his younger brother, Ben, were well known for their trumpet duets at various community and church events.

He later married the former Mary Agnes Kaufman and moved to Mt. Wolf where they raised their family. Ron and Mary were married for 72 years until her death in 2021.

Ron was a well-known musician, educator, and longstanding member of the arts and humanities community in the greater York area. During the early days of live radio Ron was featured on a nightly show playing his trumpet under the moniker of “Hot Lips Toomey,” (which was quite racy in those days!) and opening each show with the theme song “Tenderly.” He graduated from William Penn Senior High School and received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in music from Indiana State University of Pennsylvania. Following many years of teaching music in the York public school system, Ron later attended Combs College of Music in Philadelphia, Pa., and received a doctorate degree in musicology. He became Supervisor of the Arts and Music Department for the city’s public school system and developed innovative programs for students to learn the importance of music in life. He was especially proud that the William Penn Senior High marching band, under his tutelage, lead the Thanksgiving Macy’s Day Parade in 1967. Always humble, Ron often asked his wife not to address him as “Doctor Toomey” on any correspondence or during introductions. Ron was also an accomplished private music teacher, and for many years was the choir director at the Mt. Wolf Otterbein EUB Church. Ron loved animals, especially his beloved beagle, Myrtie, and was a frequent supporter of the local shelters.

Dr. Ronald Toomey is survived by his two children, Christine Pena, of Miami Beach, Florida and Michael Toomey and wife Robin of Coconut Grove, Florida. He is survived by his grandchildren Chloe-Firetto Toomey Noe, husband Alan Noe, Kelsey Toomey, Michael Robert Toomey, and his two nieces Lee Ann Buchanan and Lori Newbauer. Ron is also survived by a great-grandson Archer Noe.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Greater York Humane Society or Planned Parenthood. A memorial service will be scheduled at a future date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Diehl Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Mount Wolf.

To share memories of Ronald, please visit www.diehlfuneralhome.com

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