Daniel J/ Ragsdale

Daniel James Ragsdale of Hamburg, PA passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at his home. Dan was born in Norristown, PA to Rhett D. and Mary (Sheehan) Ragsdale. He was raised in Betzwood, and then Bensalem where he graduated from Bensalem High School in 1975 a standout basketball player, and forever after an avid fan; he was a great rebounder in both sport and life. After leaving High School, Dan attended college concentrating his studies in environmental and organic chemistry. This led him to a twenty year research career at Air Products in Trexlertown, PA where he collaborated with colleagues in obtaining several patents. Dan also owned and operated Quaker Water Co. in Quakertown, PA. After retiring from Air Products, he was the facilities manager at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Parish in Hamburg, PA.   Dan is survived by his wife, Cathleen Jane (Suplick) who he married in 1983 in Bucks County, PA. They resided primarily in Quakertown where they raised a family of six children: Marybeth (Michael) Richards, Chambersburg; Angela Marie, Salt Lake City, Utah; Danielle Irene (Galaskewicz), Antietam; Walter Rhett, Auburn; Holly Michelle (White), who preceded him in death; Dean Yannessa, Philadelphia.   Dan was a generous and loving man who devoted his life to his faith, family, and work. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, and provided a daily example of a man committed to the culture of life. His home and his heart were always open to others and he extended his hand to anyone in need of help. He especially found great joy in spending time with his grandchildren Aislynn Elizabeth, Joshua Michael, and Serafina Rose Richards; Sarabell Marie and Mary Louise Hill; Shealynn Grace, Allieah Elizabeth, Frank Joseph, and Sophia Rosalie Galaskewicz; Julianne Danielle Ragsdale; Wyatt Rhett and Adam Rodney Ragsdale; Lilly-Jane Raven White. Two brothers, William Michael of Bensalem, Michael Joseph of Hamburg, and one sister, Sharon Lee of Mt. Laurel, NJ, several nieces, nephews, and cousins from the both the Ragsdale and Sheehan clans also survive as well as his longtime and dear friend Ray Kalinowsky of Quakertown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM from St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 94 Walnut Road, Hamburg, PA. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the Church. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Hamburg. The Burkey & Driscoll Funeral Home, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements.   Online condolences may be expressed at www.burkeydriscoll.com.