Many pages would be needed to adequately capture the contribution to Bethesda Mission of Ron Katzman, who entered into the presence of our Savior on January 8, 2021. Eighty-eight years of life filled with so many accomplishments, built upon the foundation of love of God, love and devotion to his family, and love for others.

Ron faithfully served Bethesda Mission for several decades as chair and member of our Board of Directors, pro bono counsel, active volunteer, and major donor to the ongoing operation and capital campaigns of this House of Mercy called Bethesda.

The apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 3:3 capture what Ron’s life demonstrated – “For it is we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.” Paul goes on to say, “though I myself have reasons for such confidence”; a great Hebrew, a Pharisee, faultless as far as righteous based on the law.

Ron Katzman had all the credentials based on the world’s standards to place his confidence in his vast accomplishments (Harvard Law; cofounder of prominent law firm, Goldberg Katzman; state, local government, collegiate and nonprofit leadership positions and appointments) – as with Paul, Ron was gifted by God and used those gifts for God’s glory and praise, not his own.

One of the wonderful traits of a godly leader is their wisdom and commitment to mentoring others by modeling a character of devotion and humility in using their gifts to help others. Ron’s life was a living testimony to this trait. One of the beneficiaries of Ron’s mentoring is Mike Crocenzi, attorney at Barley Snyder, who worked in Ron’s law firm – listen to his testimony:

“As a young attorney at the law firm, I saw how passionate Ron was for Bethesda Mission. One day he pulled me aside and told me that Bethesda was doing God’s work and I should consider serving on the Board.  How could I say no to him!  Not only was Ron an extremely gifted attorney, he was a faithful servant for God and inspired me and many others to serve as Jesus served.  During bible studies at the firm on Friday mornings, Ron would often quote I Corinthians 12, ‘For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.’  We are all deeply saddened by his passing, but we also rejoice that he sees Jesus face to face.” 

We trust that this tribute to the life of Ron Katzman will be an encouragement to all of our donors. We here at Bethesda Mission had the privilege of knowing and serving with this humble man. Please go to this link for his obituary: www.pennlive.com/obits.