LANCASTER, Pa. – The Franklin & Marshall community was saddened to learn of the passing of Ronald "Ron" Epps. Ron was an individual who was synonymous with squash both at Franklin & Marshall and throughout the country.
Ron served as the head coach of the Diplomats' women's squash team from 2001 through 2008. He succeeded his wife, former F&M Director of Athletics & Recreation Patty S.W. Epps, as the leader of the women's squash program. Prior to being named head coach of the women's squash team, Ron was a long-time assistant by his wife's side for both the women's squash and tennis teams. Following his final year as head coach of the women's squash team, Ron continued to help with both the men's and women's squash programs as the associate head coach.
Affectionately called Mr. Coach, he was known for his epic and colorful introductions at the F&M home matches. As a mainstay of Franklin & Marshall squash, Ron dedicated over 30 years to the programs that he cared so deeply about. During his six years as head coach, Ron's teams amassed 42 wins while Anjali Ponni Rajkumar '02 became just the fourth four-time All-American in program history. During his entire coaching career, 10 different women's players combined for 23 All-America honors.
The Epps name spans generations of Franklin & Marshall athletics as Ron and Patty's son, Edward "Ned" Epps, previously worked in the athletic department as the coordinator of athletic facilities.
In addition to his wife and son, Ron is survived by a brother, Eddie Epps, Jr., his wife, Ina Mae / Buffy and their three children Darren (Abby), Dana (Sam Marcy) and Jared (Melissa) Epps. Ron has two brothers-in-law, Robert Sharpe Wohlsen (Miriam) and Thomas Harry Wohlsen and a sister-in-law, Lynn Wohlsen Myers (W. Logan). Ron cherished his nephews, Marcus (Kim Bennett), Peter (Juno Turner), Andrew and Theodore Wohlsen and niece Carolyn Myers Staszak (Ryan). Great Nieces and Nephews brought Ron joy and he will always treasure the locals - Logan and Lillian Staszak. He loved his late sister-in-law, Rosemary Wohlsen.
Ron graduated from Harriton High School in Rosemont, Pa., and West Chester University. Ron worked at Shenk Brothers before starting his thirty-nine-year career at Wohlsen Construction. He is most proud of the award-winning safety program that continues as a core value at Wohlsen today. Ron was a member of Lower Merion Baptist and Holy Trinity Lutheran Churches.
Ron will be remembered for his signature smile and hearty laugh that he contributed joyfully to his countless Lancaster and F&M community activities. He loved his Wohlsen and F&M colleagues and was devoted to and cheered for Diplomat student-athletes for more than 40 years.
Ron will be interred in the Holy Trinity Memorial Garden on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The family will greet visitors in the Parish House at 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Memorial Service at the Church, 31 South Duke Street, Lancaster, PA.
