Ronald ‘Tim’ Kay, skilled entrepreneur
Ronald “Tim" Kay, 74, of Millsboro and formerly of Springfield, Pa., passed away Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Delaware Hospice Center. He was born July 26, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late Ronald and Dina (Divac) Kay.
After graduating high school, Tim furthered his education, obtaining a master’s degree in education from Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania. While at Lock Haven, he joined the Sigma Phi fraternity and made numerous lifelong friendships with the fraternity brothers.
Upon graduation, Tim taught for 12 years in the Philadelphia School District, and during that time, he was also an active member of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. He also enjoyed a lengthy career in sales, working for Spartan Tools and later Philadelphia Inquirer, until his retirement in 2014.
Never one to stay idle, Tim's entrepreneurial skills shone brightly as the owner and operator of Fibrenew, a leather and vinyl repairs business that he maintained for 15+ years. After he retired to Millsboro, Tim worked for many years at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Tim was deeply passionate about his hobbies and interests. His love for the outdoors was extended to golfing, boating, fishing and crabbing. Tim loved cooking and preparing delicious meals for friends and family, especially around the holidays. He gave freely of his time to help people in need and could often be found volunteering to support veterans. Above all, he was a family man who loved his children very much and absolutely cherished his time with his grandchildren. Tim was nothing less than a loving husband, father, poppop and friend. Tim was loved by so many and will be forever missed.
Tim is survived by his wife of 25 years, Renee D. Kay; his children, Ryan Kay of Philadelphia, Brendan Kay (Kira) of West Chester, Pa., Mark Garrison (Patricia) of Mickleton, N.J., and Brian Garrison of Prospect Park, Pa.; grandchildren, Alex Kay, Arya Kay, Brooks Kay, Brody Garrison and Raegan Garrison; two brothers: William Ronald Farraday (Cecilia) of Reading, Pa., and Robert Kay (Mary) of West Chester, Pa.; and his beloved cats Slayer and Lucy.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 7, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends and family may visit beginning at 10 a.m.
Anyone unable to attend the services may view the livestream at parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/11406674/LTWebcast.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Tim's memory to the American Cancer Society, donate.cancer.org.
Visit Tim's Life Memorial at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
