Ronald Eugene Phillipi, 78, Elma resident and former Electrical Engineer for the WPPSS Project at Satsop, Wash., died March 2, 2018, at Summit Pacific Medical Center in Elma, Wash.

Ron was born on March 24, 1939, in Marion, Ohio to Herbert and Bernice Beach (Sattler) Phillipi. He graduated from high school in Mansfield, Ohio in 1957. He joined the United States Navy in October 1957, served on diesel submarines and was honorably discharged in July 1961.

On March 25, 1961, Ron married Jane H. Shitabata in Honolulu, Hawaii.

He then went to UCLA, School of Engineering where he graduated in 1967 with his Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering.

Ron worked for General Electric, Ebasco Corp. and Sargent and Lundy Inc. on different nuclear projects around the world. He was sent to the Satsop, Wash. Project in 1979 and fell in love with the area and following its closure he remained here.

He was an avid reader and enjoyed planting trees, woodworking, and foraging for wild edibles.

Ron is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jane Phillipi in Elma, Wash.; sons: Scott Phillipi of Elma and Mitchell Phillipi of Camas, Wash.; and grandsons: Ryan Phillipi of Elma and Preston and Mason Phillipi of Camas, Wash.

A private family graveside service with Navy Honors was held at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Wash. Memories and messages of condolence can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Wash.