Ronald H. Poh

Ronald H. Poh, 84, of Allentown, passed away on April 3, 2026, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of the late Renee I. (Toth) Poh. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Walter and Joyce (Harmony) Poh. He was a former member of Trinity Memorial U.C.C., Allentown. He graduated from Miami Edison Senior High School in Florida in 1959. He was the captain of their basketball team and had broken every record in the Raiders’ history as an all-city forward and guard. Coach Carl Eagle labeled him as the best all-around high school player in the state. Originally accepting a four-year scholarship to play basketball at Eastern Kentucky, he ended up signing with the University of Florida after coach John Mauer took notice of him in a Gainesville all-star game. He played for the Gators from 1960 to 1961 and married Renee on September 2, 1961, at Dubbs Memorial Church. The following year, they welcomed their first daughter, Sherri, into the world. In 1965, their second daughter, Jani, joined the family. Known to his family and friends as Dad, Grandpa, Ron, Ronnie, Wonald, and Poh, he began his career in law enforcement in 1966 as a patrolman on the First Platoon for the Allentown Police Department. In 1973, he was assigned to the traffic division as a Hamilton Mall corner officer, and from 1974 to 1982, he returned to serve as a patrolman on the First Platoon. In January of 1982, he was promoted to Youth Division Detective Sergeant, receiving a departmental commendation. During his time with the police department, he volunteered with the Police Athletic League. Ronnie remained with the police department until his retirement in 2000. Soon after retirement, he accepted a position with the County of Lehigh as a court crier/tipstaff and officially retired in 2016. Ronnie was an avid golfer and participated in several tournaments over the years. He often played with friends and fellow police officers, who traveled annually to Myrtle Beach…which he loved. The stories created on those trips were countless. One of Ron’s highlights was working security in the 2000 U.S. Senior Open in Saucon Valley. He was Lee Trevino’s “security guard” and walked the course with him each round. Another favorite activity was traveling to Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City with Renee. Over the past decade, however, Ron remained local and ventured to Windcreek Casino every Wednesday playing his favorite games: craps, criss-cross, and slots. He brought the casino home with him by teaching his children and grandchildren how to play poker. Perhaps he taught them too well, as they started winning! He enjoyed Friday game nights at Sherri’s house, playing Play Nine and sharing dinner with her family. Ronnie loved watching sports and was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, especially the Eagles, a passion he shared with Jani. When the Eagles were on TV, his family knew not to bother him. Ron’s passion for watching sports extended beyond the professional level. He supported Jani as “chauffeur” and “pit crew” to countless cycling and duathlon races across the country. Later in life, his support transitioned to his grandkids, Brandon, Kali, and Emily. He attended many of Brandon’s baseball and soccer games. Cheering for Kali’s varsity soccer team for four years brought him such joy, especially when they qualified for the state championship! Emily was grateful that Grandpa was able to travel to see her volleyball games as well. Ronnie was an animal lover, especially dogs. Over the years, he owned a collie, Snoopy, and two shelties, Josh and Shane. He grew extremely attached to his grandpups, Maxi and Bailey, and even his grand-guinea pig, Phoebe. Surprisingly, he bonded with his grandcats as well, Sammy, Elsa, and Dusty. Ronnie is so deeply loved by his family and friends. His quick wit, rendition of Sweet Caroline, and contagious laugh will be dearly missed. To know Ronnie was to absolutely adore Ronnie. The world is a little bit dimmer without him in it, but we know he and Renee have a lot of catching up to do. Survivors: Daughters: Sherri M. Poh Lauer, wife of Les Lauer of Allentown, and Jani M. Poh-Pike, wife of Dr. Isaac S. Pike IV of Thornton, PA, and Grandchildren: Brandon Lauer and his wife Gabriela of Chicago, IL, Kali Lauer of Allentown, and Emily Pike of Thornton, PA. He was preceded in death by a Granddaughter: Michelle Lauer. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10:30 A.M. at the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home on 16th and Hamilton St., Allentown, PA. A calling hour will be held on Saturday, from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ronnie’s memory to Animals in Distress, P.O. Box 609, Coopersburg, PA 18036 or on their website