Ronald Bayliss

Ronald W. Bayliss, 84, of Muhlenberg Township, PA, passed away Monday, January 15, 2018 at Berks Heim , Leesport, PA. He was the husband of Patricia A. (Sherman) Bayliss. Ron was born on December 14, 1933 in Clarks Green, PA to the late Francis H. & Mabel E. (Stanton) Bayliss.
Ron graduated from Clarks Summit High School and attended Keystone Junior College after which he enlisted into the US Army in 1953. He served 3 years as a quality control chemist and managed a US Army Quality Control lab in Tokyo Bay, Japan. Upon discharge in 1956, he attended Penn State University obtaining his Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1960. Ron was considered one of the world's leading experts in spray drying systems, traveling the world designing and building spray drying plants while working for Bowen Engineering Inc., Summerville, NJ and Coke Engineering, New York City. In 1974, Ron left Coke and formed Bayliss Industries, a chemical process design company in Flemington, NJ which he sold in 1984. While living in NJ, he became a member of the Raritan Committee in Hunterdon County, NJ for 6 years. He supervised the expansion and upgrade of the facility. The State of New Jersey awarded him 2 commendations for these services. He joined the Davison Chemical Division of W. R. Grace, Baltimore, MD office, becoming Director of Engineering, Purchasing, and Environmental Services until 1989 when Ron formed his own spray drying design company, Spray Drying Systems, Inc., located in Westminster, MD. He obtained a patent for the Westinghouse Corp. for a high temperature spray dryer used for the disposal of hazardous waste. Another patent was obtained for the National Lead Co. for processing of sulfate waste. Ron retired in 2007 and using his favorite phrase, "HOORAY!"
Ron's lifetime passion was attending Penn State home football games as a season ticket holder for 36 years. Ron also loved buying and renovating homes. He was an avid bird watcher and dog lover.
Ron is survived by his wife, Pat; his son, Douglas, husband of Michelle, Littlestown, PA; His grandchildren: Catherine (Mario) de La Berrera, Enola PA, Jared Bayliss, West Chester, PA, Jennifer & Jason Bayliss, Westminster, MD; daughter-in-law, Rosemary Bayliss, Westminster, MD; 3 great-grandchildren: Alexzandria ,Trystan, & Isabella; 2 step-sons, Steven (Beth) & Christopher Shoemaker; 6 step-daughters, Patricia (Apgar), wife of Dennis Losco, Janet (Apgar), wife of Ronald Steffe Jr., Bonnie (Apgar) Fontana, Terry (Apgar) Readinger, Sherry (Apgar) Coleman, & Pamela (Apgar) Zwally, 13 step grandchildren, 13 step great-grandchildren, and his brother, George (Brenda) Bayliss, Reading, PA.
Ron was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth (Theisz); his parents, his son, Jeffrey; granddaughter Erica Bayliss; his sisters, Frances Jones & Betty Ludwig; and his brothers Kenneth & Richard Bayliss
A Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at 11:00 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1009 Elizabeth Avenue, Reading, PA 19605 with Rev. Wayne Heintzelman presiding. The family will receive relatives and friends Saturday 10:30-11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church. Whelan Schwartz Funeral Home, 444 N. 9th St., Reading is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.whelanschwartz.com