Northumberland - Ronald Furman, Northumberland, was called home on Oct. 12, 2025, on his way to church to play the organ — what he loved most. His 86 years of life were a beautiful composition of music, faith, service, and connection.

Born in Sunbury, Pa., to Marr and Margaret Furman, his passion for music began early with piano lessons at age 7 and it quickly progressed to choir accompanist. When his family joined a larger church in the city, he had his first opportunity to play a pipe organ, and he was hooked.

After high school, Ron followed his Aunt Audrey to Moody Bible Institute, but after two years, financial necessity led him to leave school and relocate to Pontiac, Mich., for employment. During his time in Michigan, he sold and tuned instruments at a music store, was a member of the Michigan Theater Organ Society, and worked for Ford Motor Company as an assembly and computer technician, all while serving the Lord through music as an organist at church.

Ron's love for organs extended beyond performance. He refurbished vintage instruments and, with a roommate, maintained a personal collection that included a Barton pump organ, Hammond Spinet, and Estey pump organ.

In the late 1980s, Ron moved to Florida, playing the organ for Plantation Community Church for over two decades. He later retired from Micro Pneumatic Logic, where he ran the engineering lab. A curious tinkerer, he was always eager to explore and test the latest electronics.

Ron returned to Pennsylvania in 2011 to care for his mother. Though officially retired, he continued to lift up the name of the Lord through music for churches in the Susquehanna Valley. He couldn't stand to see old, outdated instruments limiting the potential of music ministry, and privately funded upgrades of pianos and organs for multiple congregations.

Ron was known for his warm personality, upbeat attitude and love of socializing ... and coffee. One of his favorite and most frequent activities was meeting friends at Dunkin' Donuts. His outgoing and joyful nature made for quick friends, and he became a beloved member of every community he joined.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings George, Carole, Richard, and Timothy. He is survived by his niece Cheryl Furman of Harrisburg, Pa.; nephew Timothy Furman (wife Amelia) and great-nephews Ethan and Lucas of Loveland, Colo.; sister-in-law Joyce Clayberger (husband Jay) of Lewisburg, Pa.; along with extended family and many dear friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Lewisburg.

Arrangements are by the Joseph W. Epler Funeral Home, 210 King Street, Northumberland.