Ronald John Bilas

On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Ronald John Bilas, age 76, passed away at Mercy Health - Youngstown. He was born April 9, 1949, in Youngstown, OH, to John and Olga (Kiddon) Bilas.

Ron was a dreamer and inventor from a very young age. When he was 13 years old, he built a walking robot (Homer), sparking a lifelong passion for designing and building bigger and better things. He worked at WFMJ as a floor manager while attending Youngstown State University, where he earned a full scholarship. A favorite story of Ron's was the time Senator John Glenn helped him with his physics homework while the Senator was at the station filming campaign commercials. At YSU, Ron was a member of the ROTC program, where he earned his pilot’s wings and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. After college, he began a 15-year career as an electrical technician for General Electric.

Ron left GE to become a licensed electrical contractor and lived out his dream of becoming his own boss. Together with his wife, Connie, and their five children, Ron lit up many factories, car dealerships, businesses, and homes. He taught the entire family how to operate heavy equipment, run wiring, and flip houses—ultimately instilling the value of an honest day’s work as they helped on projects big and small. Ron founded Canfield Tool Rental in 1993 and operated the business for almost 20 years, doling out advice and helping everyone from building professionals to weekend warriors with their own home improvement projects.

Ron was a member of the Mahoning County Coon Hunters Club and was awarded Sportsman of the Year in 2022. He was a devoted member of the club, often cutting short vacations so as not to miss a meeting or event. Last year, Ron fulfilled his dream of going to Alaska to see the glaciers, taking in wondrous sights of wildlife and nature during one last adventure with Connie. He loved shopping and would go to flea markets and auctions, but his favorite spot was Harbor Freight Tools, where he bought more tools than any person could use in a lifetime.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Connie; his five children, Angelica Offenbecher of North Jackson, OH; Heinz (Christine) Offenbecher of Struthers, OH; Shawn (Carrie) Bilas of Berlin Center, OH; Michelle (Michael) Joseph of Seattle, WA; and Eric (Erika) Bilas of Austintown, OH; seven grandchildren, Ian (Sha) of KY, Austin of Berlin Center, OH, Nathaniel and Neko of Seattle, WA, Cooper, Carter, and Hailey of Austintown, OH; plus two great-grandchildren, Quinn and Vespertine of KY.

He is further survived by his brother Terry (Veronica) Bilas of Norton, OH; his sister Suzanne (Robert) Hovanec of Canfield, OH; and many nieces and nephews.

Ron will be remembered for his never-ending storytelling and his curious nature of always wanting to know how everything around him worked. He was constantly tinkering with cars, electronics, and anything mechanical. The next time you see lightning, that’s Ron lighting up the sky.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Ron’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family and all who knew him. May his legacy bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat, Inc. Share memories and send condolences by visiting cremateohio.com.

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